After attempting to settle the dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray, Richard II undergoes an identity crisis now that he is no longer king.

The King is threatened by a rebellion led by Prince Hal's rival, Hotspur, his father Northumberland and his uncle Worcester; considering danger to the state, Hal joins his father to defeat the rebels at the Battle of Shrewsbury and to kill Hotspur.

Northumberland learns of the death of his son.

Henry V has settled onto the throne and has the makings of a fine king when the French ambassador brings a challenge from the Dauphin; inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will, with all force, answer this challenge.

Shortly after the death of his father, young Henry VI ascends to the throne. Later, he causes outrage among the warring French and English forces when he decides to marry Margaret of Anjou.

The War of the Roses begins as the bitter rivalries between factions become apparent. King Henry's attempts to smooth things over angers Queen Margaret.