Warwick (2 Henry VI)

Play

Henry VI, Part 2

Summary

Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick — later known as "the Kingmaker" — first appears here as a nobleman appalled by the murder of the good Duke Humphrey, who champions justice and aligns himself with the Yorkist cause. His power grows as England destabilises, laying the groundwork for the dominant role he will play in Part 3.

Notable Quotations

"Who finds the heifer dead and bleeding fresh, / And sees fast by a butcher with an axe, / But will suspect 'twas he that made the slaughter?" *(3.2)*

"In dreadful war mayst thou be overcome, / Or live in peace abandon'd and despis'd!" *(3.2)*

Cross-references

• Henry VI, Part 2 — the play
• Henry VI, Part 3 — his dominant role continues
• Warwick (3 Henry VI) — continuation of this character
• York (2 Henry VI) — his Yorkist ally
• Gloucester (2 Henry VI) — the murdered man whose death galvanises him
• Histories