York: The Patient Pretender

    Yorkist claimant to the throne·Henry VI, Part II
    ambition
    legitimacy
    political strategy

    First appears: Act 1, Scene 1

    York wants the throne. He believes the Yorkist claim is legitimate: the Lancastrian line is descended from an illegitimate source. In Part II, he watches the court self-destruct without intervening directly.

    He supports Jack Cade's rebellion from the shadows, using it to test the strength of popular discontent without personally leading it. It is calculated and cold.

    By the end of the play, he has an army and an argument. Part III will be the reckoning.

    Key Scenes

    Famous Quotes

    “Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts, And change misdoubt to resolution.”

    Duke of York — Act 3, Scene 1

    “Anjou and Maine are given to the French; Paris is lost.”

    Duke of York — Act 1, Scene 1
    See all famous Duke of York quotes →

    Themes

    Other Characters in Henry VI, Part II

    Queen MargaretHenry's queen, Suffolk's lover, political forceDuke of GloucesterLord Protector, loyal to EnglandDuke of SuffolkMargaret's lover, political manipulatorJack CadeLeader of the popular rebellionKing Henry VIKing of England, pious and politically ineffective
    ← Read Henry VI, Part II

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