Henry IV Part One Author:William Shakespeare A two part history play, in both parts King Henry IV is often overshadowed by his son, Prince Hal (later Henry V), the young rebel military leader and is comic companion Falstaff. Secondary characters are numerous, from prostitutes and country bumpkins to a lord chief justice and country gentlemen. — Set in the 15th century in a kingdom plagued w... more »ith rebellion, treachery and shifting alliances, the two parts show the development of Prince Hal from wastrel to ruler. In Part 1, he is presented as a roisterer who nonetheless defends his father, Henry IV, in battle.« less