Henry V — Henry V Character Profile

About Henry V

The protagonist and King of England, persuaded by clergy to invade France to claim the throne. He demonstrates strategic leadership, delivers famous morale-boosting speeches, disguises himself to check on his troops, and ultimately secures peace through marriage to Katherine.

Henry V — Character Profile

Character Facts

Played by

Kenneth Branagh

Appears in

Henry V (1989)

Role

Protagonist

Relationships (6)

• Henry V — Alliance Political Persuader — Bishop of Ely (Alec McCowen)

  Clergyman who strategically influences the King's political decisions toward military action.

• Henry V — Professional Trusted Advisor — Exeter (Brian Blessed)

  Loyal nobleman who consistently executes the King's orders and advises him on state matters.

• Henry V — Professional Military Ally — Bedford (James Larkin)

  Key military commander who assists the King in preparing for the French campaign.

• Henry V — Narrative Storyteller — Chorus (Derek Jacobi)

  Narrative device who directly addresses the audience and frames the entire historical drama.

• Henry V — Romantic Fiancé — Katherine (Emma Thompson)

  French princess whose political arrangement evolves into a genuine romantic alliance.

• Henry V — Social Former Associate — Mistress Quickly (Judi Dench)

  Innkeeper whose establishment connects the King to his former princely life.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Henry V

More characters from Henry V

• Chorus (Derek Jacobi)
• Exeter (Brian Blessed)
• Bedford (James Larkin)
• Bishop of Ely (Alec McCowen)
• French King (Paul Scofield)
• Captain Fluellen (Ian Holm)
• Sir Thomas Grey (Jay Villiers)
• Gower (Danny Webb)
• Mistress Quickly (Judi Dench)
• Katherine (Emma Thompson)
• Lord Henry Scroop (Stephen Simms)
• Macmorris (John Sessions)