King John: Analysis of Major Characters
"King John: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex figures in Shakespeare's historical play, focusing on their motivations, relationships, and roles within the narrative. Central to the play is King John himself, a troubled monarch who grapples with guilt and political expediency, particularly in the wake of his nephew Arthur's death. His mother, Queen Elinor, is portrayed as a strong and assertive influence, shaping John's decisions and reinforcing his resolve. Another key character, Philip the Bastard, embodies loyalty and valor, ultimately evolving from a disinherited son to a respected knight who supports King John and symbolizes English manhood.
The exploration also highlights Constance, Arthur's mother, whose fierce ambition for her son leads to tragic consequences, and the innocent Arthur, whose death serves as a pivotal moment for John. Other characters, such as Cardinal Pandulph and King Philip of France, introduce themes of political maneuvering and betrayal, as they shift allegiances to serve their interests. The character dynamics reveal a tapestry of ambition, loyalty, and moral conflict, inviting readers to delve deeper into the intricate relationships that define the play's dramatic landscape.
King John: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Shakespeare
First published: 1623
Genre: Play
Locale: England and France
Plot: Historical
Time: Early thirteenth century
King John, who, as a champion of opposition to the Church of Rome, is treated with a sympathy rare in English literature. John is not a clearly characterized or consistent figure. His conscience or his sense of expediency torments him when he hears that his nephew Arthur is dead by his command. He submits to Rome to save his land from France, but he dies poisoned by a monk at Swinstead Abbey before he can learn that his country is saved.
Queen Elinor, the king's mother. A strong, arrogant, and domineering woman, she guides and encourages her son and puts backbone into him. She is pleased with her blunt, illegitimate grandson, Philip the Bastard, and apparently gentle and affectionate toward her pathetic small grandson, Arthur. Her death weakens the king.
Philip the Bastard, the supposed older son of Sir Robert Faulconbridge, actually the child of King Richard the Lion-Hearted (Cœeur de Lion). At Queen Elinor's suggestion, he renounces his name and inheritance and is knighted by King John, becoming Sir Richard Plantagenet. Rough, strong, and loyal, he serves his country and his king well, acting as a symbol of English manhood in exhibiting good sense and judgment as well as boldness and humor. He taunts and later kills the Duke of Austria, his father's supposed slayer. He is King John's instrument in rifling the monasteries. He is honored with the final speech in the play, a brief, patriotic eulogy on England.
Constance, the widow of Geoffrey Plantagenet and mother of Arthur. Intensely emotional and ambitious for her son's career, she struggles to have him enthroned and thus indirectly causes his death. Her reaction to King Philip's desertion of her son's cause is violent. A message reaches King John that news of her son's death has caused her own “in a frenzy.”
Arthur, the Duke of Bretagne (breh-TAHN-y), a gentle-hearted, bewildered child. His reported execution by John's orders ruins the king. His death actually is an accident causedbyanattempttoescapeprison.
Robert Faulconbridge (FOH-k'n-brihj), the son of Sir Robert and Lady Faulconbridge. His father's will declares him heir and disinherits his elder brother. Eager for the property, he is willing to shame his mother and besmirch his brother to get it. His complaint to Queen Elinor and King John leads to his brother's distinguished career.
Lady Faulconbridge, the mother of the contending half brothers. She is admired by her elder son for being the mistress of Richard.
Hubert de Burgh, King John's executioner. Although he is a hard man, he is unable to have Arthur's eyes burned out or to have him killed, but, fearing the king, he reports that the boy is dead. Philip the Bastard first mistrusts him, then believes him. Hubert remains loyal to King John.
Philip, the king of France. Ambitious and untrustworthy, he shifts with every wind, seeking material advantages. He first supports Constance and Arthur, then seals an alliance with King John, then joins forces with Cardinal Pandulph to attempt John's destruction.
Lewis, the Dauphin. Eager to marry Blanch, King John's niece, he aids in cementing the alliance between the kings at Angiers, but when Cardinal Pandulph excommunicates King John, Lewis becomes a fanatical advocate of war. He leads forces of Frenchmen and disaffected Englishmen against John but finally is compelled to make peace.
Cardinal Pandulph, a legate of the pope. A shrewd and ruthless man, he foresees Arthur's death and schools Philip to use it as propaganda. When King John submits to Rome, the cardinal tries unsuccessfully to call off Lewis.
Lymoges (lih-MOHZH), the Duke of Austria. A blustering, arrogant enemy of King John, he wears a lion's skin to show that he caused the death of Richard Cœeur de Lion. He is too timorous to do more than bluster at Philip the Bastard's threats to hang an ass's skin on him. He is decapitated by Philip the Bastard at Angiers.
Blanch of Spain, King John's niece. A helpless pawn in power politics, she has to endure her bridegroom going to war against her uncle on her wedding day.
Prince Henry, John's son. On his father's death, he becomes King Henry III and accepts the support of both his father's loyal followers and noblemen who have defected to France.
The Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Salisbury, and Lord Bigot, followers of the king who desert him in horror when they learn of the death of Arthur. Self-preservation drives them back to the English side, and they pledge allegiance to King Henry III.
Count Melun (meh-LEWN), a French nobleman with an English grandsire. Mortally wounded, he warns the English noblemen that Lewis intends to kill them after England is conquered.
Peter of Pomfret, a prophet who prophesies correctly that King John will resign his crown. John consigns him to Hubert with instruction that Peter be hanged at noon on the day the crown is resigned.
Chatillion (shah-tee-YOHN), the ambassador from King Philip to King John.
A citizen of Angiers, who, to avoid destruction of his city, proposes a match between Lewis and Blanch. Both kings welcome his proposal.
The Earl of Essex, the nobleman who presents the disputing half brothers to King John for judgment.
James Gurney, Lady Faulconbridge's servant.