Katherine

Katherine is the child of King Charles VI and Queen Isabel. The girl is known for her noble birth and refined manners, reminiscent of the princess’ behavior. It is hard for a heroine to pronounce English words correctly, which makes readers laugh. In fact, the introduction of this personage gives a break from the bloody scenes or political intrigues.

Katherine avoids vulgarity and is afraid of being misinterpreted. She appreciates modesty and humility, like every obedient kid. Despite the protest against platitude of the English vocabulary, the heroine manages to cope with difficulties and memorize them.

Nevertheless, the litterateur does not detail her temper, considering her aspirations and incentives not so significant for the unfolding of the plot. Trying to unite France and England, the girl became the wife of Henry V as to the concluded contract. She tries to act according to her status and settle potential conflicts through concessions. Her nature has the honesty that we see when the king asks for her hand. Katherine agrees because she is obliged to fulfill the desire of her parent.

In order to emphasize her puppet status in political games, Shakespeare used the dialogue between Charles and Henry. They speak lexicon of conquerors but not lovers. The Frenchman compares women with fortresses that must be conquered. Some of them give in immediately, while others cost an entire army. Henry notes that Katherine is just a clause of the peace treaty, i.e., he got her absolutely without efforts.