Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases

King Henry VIII plans war against France, manipulated by Wolsey into a peace treaty; Anne Boleyn enters court; Wolsey's downfall begins.

Brandon Supports Henry's War Against France — Charles Brandon stands by King Henry as he plans war with France after his uncle's assassination. Characters: Charles Brandon Location: English Court

Henry breaks from Rome, marries Anne Boleyn; Thomas More executed; Anne accused of treason and executed.

Henry marries Katherine Howard, then Catherine Parr; Katherine Howard's infidelity exposed; Henry invades France, health declines, final portrait.

Culpepper Becomes Queen Katherine Howard's Lover — Thomas Culpepper seduces the young Queen Katherine Howard while the aging King is absent. Characters: Thomas Culpepper Location: Hampton Court
Investigation Into the Queen's Infidelities — Lord Hertford investigates allegations of adultery, leading to Culpepper's arrest. Characters: Thomas Culpepper Location: Royal Palace
Charles Brandon's Impending Death — News arrives that Charles Brandon, the King's unshakable soldier, is dying. Characters: Charles Brandon Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

Charles Brandon's Loyal Service — Brandon supports Henry in war, witnesses the changing court, and faces his own death.
- Early Campaigns — Brandon stands by Henry's side in the war against France.
- Witnessing King's Transformations — Brandon observes Henry's multiple marriages and the Reformation from within the court.
- Final Decline — Brandon dies as an old soldier, paralleling Henry's own mortality.
Thomas Culpepper's Brief Favor and Fall — Culpepper enters as a handsome servant, becomes involved in scandal, and is executed.
- Seduction and Betrayal — Culpepper seduces Queen Katherine Howard, leading to adultery charges.
- Downfall — Investigated and arrested, Culpepper faces the king's wrath.