Henry IV, Part 2 is a play by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1600. The play continues the story of King Henry IV’s troubled reign as rebellion still threatens England and the king’s health rapidly declines. Henry’s son, Prince Hal, prepares to assume the crown, gradually separating himself from his former life with the dissolute knight Falstaff and his associates. The play culminates in Henry IV’s death, Hal’s ascension as King Henry V, and his public rejection of Falstaff as he embraces royal responsibility. The play explores themes of Confronting Aging and Mortality, Shaping identity Through Moral Choice, and The Evolution of Relationships Through Life Changes. Henry IV, Part 2 is part of a tetralogy of plays. It is preceded by Richard II (1597) and Henry IV, Part 1 (1597). The sequel is Henry V (1599). 

This guide uses the 2008 Oxford World’s Classics edition of the play.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of substance use, graphic violence, sexual content, illness, addiction, gender discrimination, and death.

Plot Summary

The play begins with a short Prologue, in which a character named Rumor speaks about the nature of gossip and incorrect news. Such hastily shared rumors can lead to people making mistakes, particularly when they are in crowds.

Following the Battle of Shrewsbury at the end of Henry IV, Part 1, rumors and messages reach the Earl of Northumberland. His son, Harry Hotspur, led the rebels against King Henry IV and the king’s son, Prince Henry (or “Hal”). According to the first messages received by Northumberland, Hotspur has triumphed. These are quickly followed by other messages that reveal the truth: Hotspur is dead, killed by Prince Hal on the battlefield. Northumberland debates whether he should continue to be involved in the rebellion by joining his forces to those of the other rebel leaders, such as the Archbishop of York.

In London, Sir John Falstaff, Hal’s companion in drinking and mischief, is preparing to join the king’s forces. Since the Battle of Shrewsbury, he has exaggerated his role in the fighting but now must prepare again for war. The Lord Chief Justice visits Falstaff, warning him that he is wanted for his recent criminal activity (a robbery during the Battle of Shrewsbury). Falstaff defends himself in his typically eloquent and embellished manner, with the Justice eventually conceding that Falstaff’s recent heroism in the king’s service has delayed any repercussions. He exits, with Falstaff making a parting plea to borrow money.

In the north, the rebel leaders ponder their next move. The Archbishop of York, Lord Hastings, Lord Mowbray, and Lord Bardolph debate whether they have the men needed to challenge the king. The king is fighting wars on three fronts: As well as their rebellion, he must deal with an uprising in Wales led by Owen Glendower and an ongoing conflict with France. They believe that these other conflicts will spread the king’s forces around, meaning that they may have enough troops to continue their rebellion. Were Northumberland to join them, they would surely have enough soldiers to win any war against the king.

Back in London, Mistress Quickly, the owner of the Boar’s Head Tavern, tries to arrange for Falstaff to be arrested for his outstanding debts. The Lord Chief Justice arrives, but Falstaff is able to talk his way out of the predicament. He jokes with his friends, including Mistress Quickly and a sex worker named Doll Tearsheet, until news arrives that the king is returning to London with Prince Hal. Hal and his friend, Poins, talk about the king’s health. King Henry is becoming sicker. When they receive a letter from Falstaff, the two men decide to play a trick on him.

Meanwhile, Northumberland debates whether to join the rebellion. His wife and his daughter-in-law, now widowed, criticize him for considering the move. They blame him for Hotspur’s death since he withheld his troops from the decisive battle. Northumberland agrees not to join the rebels.

Disguising themselves as servants, Hal and Poins overhear Falstaff mock them in front of Doll Tearsheet. They reveal themselves, but Falstaff tries to defend himself. Their confrontation ends when the prince is summoned to meet the king, and Falstaff is sent to recruit soldiers.

Unable to sleep, King Henry reflects on the trouble of being a king. He is concerned about his subjects and his kingdom; given his son’s wayward reputation, he worries about what will happen if Hal succeeds him. As he considers this, his advisors bring news that Owen Glendower is dead, ending the conflict with the Welsh rebels.

Meanwhile, Falstaff travels to Gloucestershire, where he speaks to Justice Shallow and Justice Silence. The two men offer him potential recruits, many of whom bribe Falstaff to avoid military service.

In the forest of Gaultres, the rebel leaders meet with the Earl of Westmoreland. He takes their grievances to Prince John, the king’s son, who has promised to address any legitimate concerns. In return, the rebels agree to disband their army. Once the army is gone, Prince John arrests the rebel leaders, much to their astonishment.

Sir John Coleville, a rebel knight, is captured by Falstaff. When presenting Coleville to Prince John, Falstaff exaggerates the circumstances of his capture. Though he does not believe Falstaff, Prince John agrees to tell the king about Falstaff’s actions. Falstaff returns to Gloucestershire to meet with Shallow.

As the king’s health deteriorates, he grows increasingly concerned about his son taking over as monarch. He is told about the defeat of the rebels and tries to rest. Prince Hal visits his father but finds him unconscious in bed. Fearing that his father is dead, he takes the crown into a separate room to reflect. When King Henry wakes, he notices his missing crown and presumes that Hal already craves the title, only to learn that Hal is weeping in the adjoining room. Hal assures his father that he was grieving, and they reconcile.

In Gloucestershire, Falstaff and his friends discuss the ways in which they will be able to take advantage of Falstaff’s relationship to the prince. When Hal becomes king, they believe, Falstaff will be greatly elevated.

Upon learning that King Henry IV is dead, the Lord Chief Justice fears that he will be targeted by the new king because he previously reprimanded Hal for his behavior. Hal’s younger brothers share this belief. When Hal appears, newly crowned as King Henry V, he assures them that he will not punish them. Far from the wayward youth they believe him to be, he wants to be a wise and just king.

Ancient Pistol, an ensign who knows Falstaff, brings news to Gloucestershire of the coronation of King Henry V. Falstaff rides hard to reach London and present himself before the new king. Meanwhile, Mistress Quickly and Doll Tearsheet are arrested because they were present when Ancient Pistol killed a man. Upon arriving in London, Falstaff and his friends wait in the streets for the king to pass. Falstaff calls to the king, who pretends not to hear his old friend. Eventually, however, King Henry acknowledges Falstaff but is far from friendly. He rejects Falstaff, who is then apprehended by the Lord Chief Justice. Prince John notes that war with France is surely imminent.