Henry VI Part 1 Play: Overview & Resources
The action in Shakespeare’s Henry VI Part 1 play takes place between 1422 and 1445 as King Henry VI grows from childhood to young adulthood. The play is set in London, Orleans, Auverne, Rouen, Paris, Gascony, Anjou and Angiers.
Date written: 1591
Genre classification: Henry VI, Part 1 is a History Play.
Main characters in Henry VI Part 1:
King Henry The Sixth
Margaret, Daughter to Reignier; afterwards married to King Henry
Duke Of Gloucester, Uncle to the King, and Protector
Duke Of Bedford, Uncle to the King, Regent of France
Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter, Great-uncle to the King
Henry Beaufort, Great-uncle to the King; Bishop of Winchester, and afterwards Cardinal
John Beaufort, Earl, afterwards Duke, of Somerset
Richard Plantagenet, Son of Richard, late Earl of Cambridge; afterwards Duke of York
See a full list of characters in Henry VI Part 1
Henry VI Part 1 themes: Political infighting is largely what this play is about. It is also about heroism, shown by the actions of Talbot and his son. Throughout the play Shakespeare demonstrates the great qualities of women, particularly in the treatment of Joan of Arc.
Henry VI Part 1 Play Resources:
Henry VI Part 1 plot summary
Henry VI Part 1 characters