Henry IV, Part 1

Family relationships are at the center of Henry IV, Part 1.

King Henry IV and Prince Hal form one major father-son pair, with Henry in despair because Hal lives a dissolute life.

The father-son pair of Hotspur (Lord Henry Percy) and his father, the Earl of Northumberland, is in seeming contrast; the king envies Northumberland his Harry, wishing he could claim the gallant Hotspur as his own.

Meanwhile, Hal has entered into a quasi-father-son relationship with a disreputable but amusing knight, Sir John Falstaff.

Another strand of action centers on still more family relationships.

Hotspurs stand against Henry focuses on Hotspurs brother-in-law, Mortimer.

Mortimer, who fought against the Welsh magician Owen Glendower, was defeated and captured and has married Glendowers daughter.

King Henry pronounces Mortimer a traitor whom he will not ransom.

Hotspur, in declaring war on Henry, sees himself as fighting for Mortimer, his wifes brother.

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