Henry II, played by Peter O'Toole

Description

Henry II was the king of England from 1154-1189. In 1183, Henry calls his family together to try to settle the question of who will be his successor to the throne. Henry refuses to make a decision until all of his sons are gathered together. Despite his obvious capability in ruling a country, Henry cannot seem to control his own family.

Henry is a powerful man who has imprisoned his wife, Queen Eleanor, in a castle for plotting against him. He has also taken his son's future wife, Alais, to be his mistress, and he has raised his youngest son, John, on his own. Henry is partial to John and expects to bestow the crown on him.

Analysis

Henry is a manipulative, powerful man. He is self-centered and focused to some extent on the preservation of his kingdom, but he has also become...