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Act I:

King Henry’s last twelve months in charge of England have been rough. Constant conflict has created a tired nation and uprisings from a rebel army led by Harry Percy, commonly referred to as Hotspur, is worrying the King. The King also reveals that he wishes his own son acted as valiantly as Hotspur. However, he soon learns that Hotspur has refused to turn over his fugitives that belong to the army of the royal family. He knows that conflict will ensue. 

 

Prince Hal, son of the King, keeps busy by passing the time with his old trustee sidekick, Falstaff. Together, they drink, rob, and harass local peasants. They are joined by their friend Poins, who is also a highwayman. 

 

Hotspur, accompanied by his father Northumberland and uncle Worcester, goes to Windsor Castle to meet with King Henry. Hotspur and the King engage in a heated argument, as Hotspur refuses to hand over the prisoners. Hotspur explains that the King betrayed his family when they helped in handing him the throne by overthrowing the predecessor Richard II. They leave the castle and Northumberland seeks the support of the Archbishop of York whose brother was killed by Henry for conspiring against him.

 

Act II:

Hotspur receives news that he will no longer be financially supported by a high ranking noble family. His wife argues that he hasn’t been loving towards her and he storms out of the room eager to make more plans of invading the kingdom.

 

Act III:

Hal is summoned to his father’s quarter where King Henry lays into Hal for being lazy, disrespectful, and unkingly. Hal promises to do better and admits that he truly wants to be the next king. Sir Walter Blunt storms in to alert the King that Douglas, a leader of the Scottish rebels, has joined forces Hotspur’s men and are planning to attack the kingdom within the coming two weeks.

 

Act IV: 

Hotspur and the rebels receive so much bad news that you can’t help but think they will lose the war. But, Hotspur being foolish and optimistic wants to still fight. Meanwhile, we learn Fallstaff has chosen his troops so he can make money instead of making a good army. Then, we move back to the rebel camp where Hotspur and his men are discussing whether to attack right now or wait because not all of their troops have shown up. Hotspur hastily decides to still fight even after hearing that Henry has made a peace offering. At the same time, this is happening, an ally of the rebels has heard of the power of Hal and his troops and is trying to warn Hotspur not to attack. 

 

Act V

Henry tells Worcester to deliver a message to Hotspur saying he and Hal should meet in a one-on-one battle to settle this conflict and avoid mass bloodshed. When Worcester arrives in the rebel camp he decides not to share the recent offer from Henry and instead heightens the tensions between the rebels and Henry. The battle begins with the rebels trying to find Henry but all they can find is a decoy, whom they kill. The battle ends with Hotspur and Hal getting their much-awaited duel.