Henry

50’s – 60’s

King of England.  Although aging, Henry acts like a much younger man. He has a boisterous energy, a forbidding temper, and a relentless drive that makes him a formidable opponent.  He is determined to have John, his youngest son, as his heir, but he knows that if he does his remaining family could start a civil war.  He is in love with his much younger mistress, Alais, the daughter of the late King of France, but has no qualms using her as a bargaining chip in his plans.  His relationship with Eleanor, his estranged wife, is complicated:  he adores her, loathes her, fears her, and hates her; yet still he somehow cares for her and cannot imagine his life without her.   SEE SPECIFIC CHARACTER NOTES.

Eleanor

50’s – 60’s

Queen of England, Duchess of Aquitaine, and former Queen of France, Henry’s estranged wife, has been imprisoned under house arrest for ten years for supporting her sons in an unsuccessful rebellion. A decade older than Henry, she’s always been his equal in intelligence, wit, and ambition. Her love for him is conflicted: she cares deeply for him but fiercely resists being disregarded or subordinate. Years ago, when Henry turned to a mistress, Eleanor devoted herself to raising Richard, her favorite son, and is determined to use her temporary Christmas release to ensure that he is chosen as the heir to the throne.  However, reuniting with her family leaves her torn between victory over Henry or learning to love her sons and connect with them. More than anything else, she does not want to be forgotten.   SEE SPECIFIC CHARACTER NOTES.

Richard

20’s – early 30’s

The eldest surviving son of Henry and Eleanor, Richard has been a famous soldier since his sixteenth birthday. He’s impressive and domineering but has a tense relationship with both of his parents. Richard is his mother’s favorite, yet he’s wary of her. He wonders if she truly loves and supports him or uses him as a tool in her conflict with his father. Richard feels neglected and excluded by Henry and silently yearns for his father’s approval but covers his pain with his warrior’s demeanor.  However, we see Richard’s tender side when he reunites with King Philip of France, his former lover.   SEE SPECIFIC CHARACTER NOTES.

Geoffrey

20’s

The second eldest surviving son of Henry and Eleanor, Geoffrey is attractive, charming, and the most intelligent of the brothers.  His parents, however, never consider him in the running to be king— even though he possesses the intellectual promise of a great monarch.  His feelings of being neglected have made him a cold amoral schemer who constantly changes his alliances between Richard and John, hoping to disgrace them both so he can gain the throne and his parents’ love and respect.

John

18 – early 20’s

The youngest son of Henry and Eleanor, John is Henry’s favorite and his chosen heir.   Though he can be sweetly charming when he wishes, he has been spoiled rotten by his father, and often taunts his brothers, knowing that Henry will back him up.  However, beneath his boasting, he is deeply insecure, as he knows he has neither Richard’s brawn nor Geoffrey’s brain.  His lack of maturity and desperate desire to come out on top lead him to trust anyone who offers him a helping hand, which he often ends up regretting.

Alais (pronounced “Alice”)

20’s

Daughter of the late King of France and half-sister to King Philip.  She is deeply in love with Henry, many years her senior, and has been his mistress for seven years.  In that time, she has grown from a simple teenage girl to a gentle and thoughtful young woman with a quiet strength.  Though at times she tries to match Henry’s family in their ruthlessness, she knows her kindly nature will not allow her to truly compete with them.  However, to protect those she cares about, she will defy any one of them, even Henry himself.   SEE SPECIFIC CHARACTER NOTES.

Philip

18 – early 20’s

The young King of France, half-brother to Alais.  Philip has come to Henry’s court to demand that a treaty made with his late father be fulfilled.  He is relatively new to his throne and initially behaves with a commanding dignity, showing little emotion.  When his negotiations with Henry fail, he encourages the rebellious thoughts of Henry’s sons, making empty promises to each in turn.  Philip is especially close to Richard, who was his lover two years ago.  Philip’s cold reserve masks a deep loathing for Henry, whom he feels belittled and demeaned his late father, while somehow still earning his father’s love and respect.  More than anything Philip wishes to make Henry suffer as revenge for his father’s humiliation, before ultimately destroying him.   SEE SPECIFIC CHARACTER NOTES.