Shakespeare’s King John play is set between 1199 and 1206. The action takes place in England and France in palaces and battlefields. Read more about King John settings.
Date written: About 1596
Genre classification: King John is a History Play.
Main characters in King John: King John is the son of Henry II and the younger brother of Richard the Lionheart.
Queen Elinor is John’s domineering, pushy mother.
Prince Henry is John’s son.
Philip Faulconbridge is the illegitimate son of Richard the Lionhearted. Robert Faulconbridge is his legitimate half-brother.
Brittany is John’s nephew, who lays claim to the throne
Constance is Brittany’s mother, who supports his claim.
Earl of Pembroke, Earl of Salisbury, Lord Bigot are rebels against the King. See a full list of characters in King John.
King John themes: social upheaval, war, and family feuding. The excesses of power and the effects on the innocent victims. The determination and power of mothers out to protect their children.
King John on stage at the Globe Theatre
who is Brittany?
Arthur is KJ’s nephew.
Constance is Arthur’s mother