In "Henry IV" by Shakespeare, there are a number of important characters. Shakespeare tends to have the different characters parallel each other, to show contrast and similarity. One extremely interesting parallel is between Henry IV himself, the king, and Falstaff, the drunken knight. Henry Bolingbroke was thrust into the spotlight after the beheading of Richard III. He became King of England through treachery and bloodshed, but has since tried to be a good ruler over …showed first 75 words of 715 total…

…showed last 75 words of 715 total…thievery and sin, because he believes Hal (and everyone else) would be far happier that way. Falstaff also thinks it'd be a great joke if the crown prince of England were a criminal. Hal must choose between these two people to bring closure to the play, and as of yet he has not done so. The audience waits with bated breath for the prince's choice- Henry IV the risen king, or Falstaff the fallen knight.