Henry Chettle and Anthony Munday
THE DOWNFALL OF ROBERT EARL OF HUNTINGTON, or
1 ROBIN HOOD

This play might well be Munday's alone founded upon the strong possibility that since the play as we have it is clearly not completely finished, the revisions for which Chettle was paid are not part of the extant text.

Henslowe paid for the play 15 February, 1598

a synoptic, alphabetical character list

ARCHBISHOP OF ROAN
A "ghost character." John claims to have received letters from Richard telling him to take the regency from Ely and to give the seal into the hands of three (unnamed) temporal lords and the Archbishop of Roan.

BAILEY
A "ghost" or possibly a fictional character. When Ely is in disguise as a countryman, he attempts to keep Robin Hood from looking into his egg basket by telling him that all the eggs are promised to Master Bailey's wife. Robin responds that neither Bailey nor his wife will have a single egg, and then finds the Regent's seal in the basket.

BAILEY'S WIFE
A "ghost" or possibly a fictional character. When Ely is in disguise as a countryman, he attempts to keep Robin Hood from looking into his egg basket by telling him that all the eggs are promised to Master Bailey's wife.

BATEMAN OF KENDAL
A "ghost character." Bateman of Kendal gave kendal green (a woolen cloth) to Scarlet and Scathlock when they became outlaws.

BLIND MAN
This is a disguise taken by Fitzwater when he has been banished and heads to the forest in search of Robin Hood and Marian.

BLIND MAN UNDER BRIDGE
A "ghost character." When Robin Hood plans to rescue Scarlet and Scathlock, he says he will change clothes with the blind man who lives under the bridge, and go in that disguise.

BOY
The Boy is a servant of Hugh Lacy. After John stabs Hugh, the Boy runs off and returns with Ely, Chester and Officers.

BROUGHTON
A mute character. Sir Gilbert Broughton is present at the dinner where Robin Hood is outlawed. Robin threatens him, as well as Lacy and Warman, stating that if they do not avoid him, he will execute them all for treachery against him. At this Broughton and the others run away.

CHESTER
After the murder of Hugh Lacy, Chester enters with the Bishop of Ely. He claims that John does not have the right to kill Hugh, and supports Ely as Regent. After John leaves, Chester confers with Ely, indicating his belief that this quarrel is part of a larger plan. When John plans to usurp the throne, Chester does not oppose him, claiming that he will do wrong to keep the peace but still attempts to protect Ely from a public trial. When Leicester arrives and expresses his shock at Chester and Salisbury's support of John as king, Chester says that John will resign when Richard returns home. His lukewarm support for John vanishes when he hears that Richard is in England, and with Salisbury he makes plans to seek a pardon of Richard.

CITIZEN
This is a disguise Robin Hood takes on to deceive John. He takes it just before he leaves for the forest as he waits for Marian to join him.

CLOWN
The Clown is one of the actors in the frame story, and the only one who speaks with Skelton. He plays Much.

COUNTRYMAN
This is a disguise Ely takes on after he escapes from Warman. He reveals himself to Tuck as a fellow churchman, asking to be let go. Tuck reveals him to Robin Hood, but Robin forgives and protects him, since Ely regrets being one of those who helped to banish him.

DONCASTER
Sir Doncaster of Hothersfield was the gentleman who captured Scarlet and Scathlock after seven years as outlaws. He attempts to capture Robin Hood, with the help of Friar Tuck, but Tuck alerts Robin to the attack and Doncaster fails. Despite this, when Friar Tuck reports that Doncaster, the Prior and a priest have been attacked and wounded traveling to Bawtrey, Robin Hood immediately goes to help them, and when the Prior and Doncaster enter, Scarlet greets them courteously.

EARL CHEPSTOW'S DAUGHTER
A "ghost character." When John asks Fitzwater to give him Matilda, Fitzwater replies that John is married already to Earl Chepstow's daughter.

EARL JOHN
An alternate name used for Prince John. There appears to be no pattern as to which characters use the name, or when.

ELTHAM
In the frame story, Eltham helps produce the play with Skelton and plays the role of Little John. He has been busy looking over maps for the King, leaving Skelton worried that they would not have time to rehearse. Eltham breaks character twice. First to reprimand Friar Tuck/Skelton when he begins rhyming in Skeltonian fashion and second to ask why Skelton has not included any of the traditional Robin Hood jests or songs. After Skelton explains that he is writing a true history of the virtuous Robin Hood, Little John/Eltham goes on to complain that Friar Tuck/Skelton keeps breaking into rhyme in his particular fashion. Skelton promises to try to control himself and asks Eltham to pull on his sleeve if he rhymes too long. At the end of the play, Eltham and Skelton remain to discuss the production. Eltham is concerned that the play does not have the tragedy of Robin Hood's death. Skelton suggests that the play be presented in two parts, and asks Eltham to convince the King to watch both, which Eltham promises he can do.

ELY
The Bishop of Ely is regent of England in Richard's absence. He first appears when Little John is arguing with the Sheriff and Warman about their right to look in his trunk. Although Ely considers John saucy, he dismisses him rather than demanding to see the contents of the trunk. He then gives orders, in Richard's name, to Warman, causing John, after he leaves, to state his desire to unseat Ely. After John has killed Hugh Lacy for, he claims, treason, John produces letters that he claims give him the regency. Ely asks Chester to help him bring down John's pride, but Chester cautions against open war. Ely's fall comes to pass and John, with the help of his mother and the nobles, takes the regency for himself and brands Ely a traitor. Ely is taken by two Colliers, who call him a monster because he dressed as a woman while trying to escape. Ely is given first to the Sheriff of Kent and then turned over to Warman, from whose custody he escapes. He flees to the forest, disguised as a countryman from Oxon, where Robin's men meet him. He asks Tuck to help him pass unnoticed, but Tuck remains loyal to Robin and tells him it is Ely. Robin forgives Ely for his treachery and promises to keep him safe until Richard returns, which he does, presenting Ely and the royal seal to Richard in the forest.

FATHER JEROME
A "ghost character." Father Jerome is reported by a servant to be the replacement choice of Prior after the Prior of York has fallen out of favor.

FIRST COLLIER
The First Collier is one of the men who finds Ely dressed as a woman and trying to escape after falling from John's favor. The First Collier is the more talkative of the two, who describes how the "monster" was taken, and is surprised to discover the disguised man is Ely. He hopes the colliers will not be hanged for arresting him, and he is quite relieved to be given one hundred marks instead.

FITZWATER
Fitzwater is the father of Matilda/Marian after II.i; before that, the character of Marian's father is named Lacy. After John has removed Ely from his position as regent, Fitzwater claims that they have removed bad and replaced it with worse. Fitzwater agrees that John should be regent in place of Ely, but when John asks Fitzwater for Matilda, Fitzwater is appalled. He first argues that Matilda is married to Robin, and when John says that since Robin is excommunicated he cannot have a wife, Fitzwater replies that John already has a wife, the Earl of Chepstow's daughter. He then attacks John, and knocks him down, but he does not kill him because he is of royal blood. John banishes him, and neither he nor the Queen will listen to Fitzwater's pleas. Fitzwater enters the forest in search of Matilda and Robin, and when he finds them, he pretends to be a blind man. He questions why Matilda has changed her name to Maid Marian and is pleased to learn that it is because she remains pure. Marian and Robin recognize him, but do not press him when he asks them not to inquire into his name. When Warman enters the forest to commit suicide, Fitzwater finds him and sends Marian to fetch Robin before Warman can hang himself. When John is discovered, he expects Fitzwater, Ely or Robin to take revenge, but they do not, and John asks forgiveness of all three. When Richard arrives, Robin presents Fitzwater to him, and Fitzwater is welcomed back by Richard, Richmond and Leicester. (See also "LACY").

GEORGE A-GREENE
A "ghost character." Mentioned by Robin Hood as a friend, it is also a reference to another Robin Hood play, by Robert Greene. (See also "PINNER OF WAKEFIELD").

HERALD
The Herald enters to announce formally to the Prior that John has exiled him and that he will be hanged if he is found in England.

HUGH LACY
Hugh Lacy is the brother of Lord Lacy. After Robin and Marian escape, he is accused by his brother of plotting with Prince John and the others to outlaw Robin. John, who is upset at Marian's escape, stabs and kills him, apparently believing he helped Robin and Marian.

JACKSON
A "ghost character." Jackson of Rotheram supplied bows to Scarlet and Scathlock when they became outlaws.

JAILOR OF NOTTINGHAM
The Jailor meets Warman after the later has been banished. When Warman asks for help, the Jailor first offers some meat that he has for his dog, but then pauses and reconsiders, noting that his dog is faithful and loyal, but Warman is a traitor. He therefore refuses to hand over the meat and leaves.

JENNY
Jenny is the sister of Scarlet and Scathlock, and is first mentioned by Much in conversation with Scathlock's Mother; he asks her to send Jenny to the forest, which she promises to do. When Robin asks his followers to abstain from women, Much asks what he will do with Jenny then. However, when Jenny enters, she is met by Tuck, who is with Doncaster. Jenny helps Tuck alert Robin and Marian to Doncaster's plan to capture the outlaws, although it is unclear whether she is newly persuaded by Tuck or already part of a prearranged plan.

JOHN
John is the brother of King Richard. He enters when Little John is defending his box against Warman and the Sheriff. When Little John claims that the box is full of his goods, John sides with him, but it is Ely who actually dismisses him, causing John to remark how he wishes to bring Ely down. John then admits to Warman that he is Robin's enemy only because he is in love with Marian. When Marian and Queen Elinor arrive at the meeting place, having switched clothes, John is fooled, and declares his love to his mother, thinking it is Marian, while the real Marian escapes with Robin. John then strikes a Messenger from Ely, and tells Leicester that he will do much more to Ely himself. When Hugh Lacy and Lord Lacy enter, arguing, John kills Hugh for his loss of Marian (although it is not at all clear why John blames Hugh). He then produces letters that he claims shift the regency from Ely to him. The next time John appears, Ely has been declared a traitor and John accepts the regency which Queen Elinor and Salisbury ask him to, although it clearly was his idea all along. John privately asks Fitzwater for Matilda/Marian, and Fitzwater refuses, partly because she is engaged to Robin and partly because John is already married to the Earl of Chepstow's daughter. They fight, and John falls, but Fitzwater will not kill him because he is of royal blood. John then banishes Fitzwater. John assumes the crown, and then is told by Warman that Ely has escaped. He accuses Warman of taking bribes and banishes him. He also banishes the Prior after letters from Warman convince John that the Prior is treacherous. At this point, Leicester enters and expresses his shock that John would assume the crown. John claims he is only viceroy until Richard's return, but Leicester is not convinced and falls into a passion. At this point, Richmond enters to announce that Richard has returned. All of John's supporters, including Queen Elinor, immediately desert him. Fearing his brother's anger, John flees to the forest and takes on the name Woodnet in order to join with Robin Hood. He meets with Scathlock and Tuck, but they do not believe he is an outlaw. Scathlock and John fight, and John wins. Tuck and John then fight, and during that fight, Marian enters and recognizes John. She sends Scathlock for Robin, who arrives with Ely and Warman. John's identity is revealed, but he finds forgiveness on all sides rather than the hatred he expected. Richard then enters the forest and Robin asks him to forgive John and take him back, which John does because Robin asks it.

KING (HENRY VIII?)
A "ghost character." In the frame story, Skelton and Eltham several times refer to His Majesty or the King, for whom the present play is intended. This is almost certainly meant to be Henry VIII, who had a great fondness for the Robin Hood ballads, but this identification is never clearly stated. At the beginning of the play, Eltham states that he has been surveying maps for the King. In the midst of the play, the two break character to wonder if the King will enjoy the play despite the lack of traditional jests, and after the play is over, the two discuss this problem again, with Eltham saying he can persuade the King to like it despite the lack of traditional elements.

KING FERDINAND
A "ghost character." When Skelton says that the servants he has sent have been unable to locate Eltham, Eltham responds that he has been very busy looking over maps sent by King Ferdinand, clearly King Ferdinand of Spain, to the king.

LACY
Lord Lacy declares himself Marian's father in II.ii, although later her father is shown repeatedly to be Fitzwater, indicating incomplete revision. Lacy appears in only a single scene before he is replaced by Fitzwater. In that scene, he argues with his brother, Hugh Lacy, believing that he conspired to have Robin outlawed. He threatens to kill Hugh, but it is John who actually does so. (See also "FITZWATER").

LEICESTER, SIMON EARL OF
Simon, Earl of Leicester first appears immediately after Prince John has struck Ely's Messenger. Leicester asks what he means by this action; John replies that the Messenger's head only bleeds, but Ely shall be headless for his treachery. Leicester calms him and tells him that slow words are more effective than sharp. His initial apparent friendship with John contrasts sharply with his later appearances, indicating incomplete revision. Leicester reappears after John has usurped the crown. John is not at all pleased to see him. Leicester says that he will attempt to check John's royal ambitions, but John welcomes Leicester back from war (apparently the crusade). Leicester expresses shock at John's usurpation and the support he receives from Queen Elinor and the nobles. He then announces that he comes from King Richard to collect the ransom that has been sent for three times. When John claims that England has already paid too much to send Richard on crusade, Leicester paints a vibrant picture of the English willingly giving their money and jewelry to Richard, and the battles Richard has fought. When John still refuses ransom, Leicester takes Richard's colors and treads on them to express his anger. At this point, Richmond enters, although Leicester fears at first it is John's army, and announces that Richard has returned. Leicester is overjoyed at the news and asks Richmond to describe Richard's captivity, which he does.

LEOPOLD OF AUSTRIA
A "ghost character." Leopold is King Richard's captor. Leicester describes how Richard took Leopold's colors and trod on them at Acon. Richmond describes how Richard was taken, after striking Leopold's son dead, and how Leopold had Richard thrown in a lion's den as punishment. However, Richard ripped the heart out of the lion even as Leopold was in fear of the lion from a distance.

LEOPOLD OF AUSTRIA'S SON
A "ghost character." Richard killed Leopold's Son with his fist, leading to his capture.

LITTLE JOHN
Little John is Robin's servant and best friend. He is with Robin when the latter discovers he has been banished, and helps him plan his escape, counseling him to restrain his grief lest he upset Marian. Little John attempts to remove Robin's goods, claiming that they are his own while Warman and the Sheriff insist that they be allowed to inspect the box containing them. Little John fights with the Watch and knocks them down, but before anything else can happen, Prince John arrives and allows Little John to go free. Little John then helps Robin rescue Scarlet and Scathlock. After Robin decides to become an outlaw, Little John announces a list of articles they should follow. When Doncaster arrives to arrest them, Little John helps Robin fight him off, and later is with Robin when Ely enters the forest and is discovered. Little John meets with Richard, who is searching for Robin, and when he recognizes Little John, he rewards him immediately with a hundred marks a year and the title of squire. Little John is "played" by Eltham, who breaks character twice during the play, first to complain to Skelton/Friar Tuck about his tendency to fall into Skeltonian rhyme and second to complain that the play contains none of the traditional merry jests or songs associated with Robin Hood. (See also "ELTHAM").

LITTLE TRACY
A mute character. Little Tracy is one of the actors in the frame story, a boy who is to play Marian. He is reprimanded by Skelton for leaping about like a boy when he should be acting like a lady. (See also "MIRIAN").

MAID
A "ghost character." Richmond tells the story of how Leopold of Austria had Richard thrown into a lion's den. Richmond describes how Richard wound a scarf given him by a maid around his right hand, and then thrust it down the lion's throat and pulled out its heart.

MARIAN
Marian's character is the most fragmented of those affected by the incomplete revision. Through II.i, she is called Marian and is the daughter of Lord Lacy. In II.ii she is named Matilda and it becomes clear that her father is now Fitzwater. In III.ii, she takes on the name of Maid Marian, to signal her chastity, even as Robert of Huntington becomes Robin Hood. Marian follows Robin out of the dinner where he will be declared an outlaw. When he tells her that he is outlawed and she is as good as widowed, she faints, but recovers and agrees to play her part in Robin's charade. When Robin announces that he knows of his banishment and leaves, Queen Elinor appeals to Marian, claiming that she wants to help. Marian agrees to change clothes with Elinor, but tells Robin of the switch, thereby foiling Elinor's plans to run off with Robin herself. Robin and Marian escape while a confused John woos his mother, believing it is Marian. While Robin and the others rescue Scathlock and Scarlet, Marian goes to the Widow Scathlock to fetch her. When Robin decides to become an outlaw, she accepts the name of Maid Marian, and it is while using that name that her father, Fitzwater, meets with her, disguised as an old blind man. She brings him meat and drink, and recognizes him, but agrees not to press the question of his identity when he asks her not to do so. Marian runs to fetch Robin when Fitzwater finds Warman about to kill himself, and comforts him. Later, she recognizes the man Tuck is fighting as John, and again fetches Robin to settle matters. When Richard appears, Robin presents her last as his best gift to Richard, and Richard of course returns this "gift" to Robin.

MASTER MICHAELS
A "ghost character." When the colliers take Ely, disguised as a woman, the Second Collier claims that this must be the thief that robbed Master Michaels.

MATILDA
Matilda is an alternate name for Maid Marian. She is first introduced as Matilda in II.i, afterwards she is called Marian in two earlier scenes, indicating incomplete revision. Matilda is renamed Marian by Robin Hood after they rescue Scarlet and Scathlock, and definitively move to the forest. (For a complete description of the character, see the listing under "MARIAN").

MESSENGER
The Messenger is sent by Ely to Prince John, asking for him to come attend to matters of state. John is insulted by Ely's presumption in sending for him, and tells the Messenger that he will not come. He also strikes the Messenger, causing him to bleed.

MUCH
Much, the miller's son, is a friend of Robin Hood and a clown figure. When Warman and the Sheriff try to accost Little John, Much mocks both Warman and his wife. He tells Robin that Scarlet and Scathlock are to be hanged or, as he puts it, set at liberty, and then goes with Marian to Widow Scathlock's house. He asks the Widow to send Jenny into the forest. When Little John announces the articles of Robin's outlaws, Much objects to respecting all women and not using any, since he wonders how he will treat Jenny. With Tuck and Scarlet, he meets with a disguised Ely in the forest and jokes with Ely about his supposed town of origin, although he leaves in apparent anger when Tuck wants to speak to Ely alone. When Warman enters the forest and tries to hang himself, Much offers to help him by stringing up the rope, but he is stopped by Fitzwater. Much is one of the outlaws who meets with Richard, and he runs away, rushing to tell Robin to flee. Robin tells him there is no need to flee, and when Little John arrives, having been made a squire by Richard, Much regrets that he did not stay, for he is sure he would have been made a knight or a lady. (See also "CLOWN").

NUNS OF FARNSFIELD
"Ghost characters." Scarlet and Scathlock were given napkins, shirts and bands by the Nuns when they became outlaws. Scarlet comments on how pretty the nuns were.

OLD BLIND MAN
A disguise assumed by Fitzwater after he is banished by John and searching the forest for his daughter. When he meets with Marian and Robin Hood, he does not reveal himself, even after he is greeted kindly and cared for.

OLD MAN
The Old Man is a disguise assumed by Robin Hood when he rescues Scarlet and Scathlock. He tells Warman that the pair killed his own son and therefore he wants to be the one to kill them, in revenge. He announces that he will sound his horn just as they did when they killed his son, but this is, in reality, a signal to Little John and Much, who help rescue Scarlet and Scathlock.

OLD MAN'S SON
A fictional character. When Robin Hood is in disguise as an Old Man, he pretends that his son was killed by Scarlet and Scathlock and that he seeks revenge for the killing.

POTTER AT BARNSLEY
A "ghost character." He is a strong man who protected Scarlet and Scathlock when they became outlaws.

PRIOR OF YORK
The Prior of York, or the Lord Prior, is one of the original plotters against Robin, despite being Robin's uncle, and is the one who actually outlaws him. He is not present for the actual banishment, but later ventures into the forest with Doncaster and Friar Tuck in an attempt to capture Robin. Not realizing Tuck is loyal to Robin, the Prior agrees to let him plan the attack, which is a complete failure since Robin is warned. The Prior falls from John's favor instantly when Warman, who has also been outlawed for allowing Ely to escape, gives John a letter that accuses the Prior of being the one who helped Ely escape. At first the Prior believes that John cannot touch him because he is a clergyman, but in rapid succession he is informed that

his barns have been burned to the ground
he has been replaced as Prior by Father Jerome, and
John means to arrest and execute him for treason.

He escapes into the forest only to be attacked, stripped and wounded on the way to Bawtrey. When Robin is informed of this by the Friar, he immediately goes to help him, and The Prior is present for Richard's return, apparently forgiven.

QUEEN ELINOR
Queen Elinor is the mother of both Richard and John. She is in love with Robin and apparently supports the plan to have Robin outlawed, as punishment for loving Marian instead of her. After Robin reveals that he knows of the plot and leaves, Queen Elinor promises to help Marian leave with him by changing clothes with her to avoid detection by John. Her real plan is to fool Robin and leave for the forest with him, but Marian tells Robin the plot. When Marian and Elinor arrive at the meeting place, Robin pretends to desire the supposed Queen and leaves with Marian before anyone can stop them. She leaves, swearing to turn love into hate. She then pursues Ely, although unsuccessfully, and supports John in his quest for the throne. When Fitzwater is banished and tries to appeal to the Queen, she responds that his daughter robbed her of her love, and leaves. When Leicester arrives, Elinor claims that John is simply acting as Richard's regent, but when it is revealed that Richard has returned to England, Elinor deserts John, saying she will do her best to win back Richard's favor.

QUEEN MOTHER
Another name used for Queen Elinor, applied to her without apparent pattern.

RADULPH
Another name for Ralph, Warman's man, given as an alternative by Ralph himself.

RAFE
Another name for Ralph, Warman's man, given as the name that the vulgar use.

RALPH
Ralph is Warman's man. He is in charge of Scarlet and Scathlock and is afraid that the prisoners might escape. When speaking with Tuck, he uses excessively flowery language, causing irritation and ridicule.

RICHARD I
Richard is King of England. He has been absent from the kingdom for quite some time, first on Crusade and then as prisoner to Leopold of Austria. He had appointed Ely as regent, but John took over as regent and then had himself crowned king. Richard returns to England at the end of the play and restores Robin Hood to his earldom. To thank him, Robin presents Fitzwater and Ely, safe from John's treachery. He then asks Richard to forgive John's treachery, which Richard does.

RICHMOND
After Leicester has challenged John's usurpation, a drum sounds that Leicester believes is John's army. However, it turns out to be Richmond, who announces that Richard is free of imprisonment and has arrived in London. Richmond then describes how Richard was taken by Leopold of Austria and thrown weaponless into a lion's den. Richard wrapped his right hand in a scarf, trust his hand down the lion's throat and pulled its heart from its body. Leicester and Richmond then depart, leaving John in terror and his supporters scattered. Richmond enters with Richard in the final scene and welcomes Fitzwater when the latter embraces him.

ROBERT, EARL OF HUNTINGTON
This is the correct name and title of Robin Hood before he is outlawed. However, he is rarely referred to by his title by other characters and the stage directions and speech headings are consistent in using Robin or Robin Hood.

ROBIN
Apparently the given name of the Second Collier. (See "SECOND COLLIER").

ROBIN HOOD
Robin Hood is the outlaw name of Robert, Earl of Huntington, although he is addressed by both names throughout the play. He discovers he is outlawed at a dinner supposedly thrown for his engagement to Marian, and leaves in a passion. He is followed by Little John, who counsels him to control himself. Robin then tells Marian that he has been outlawed and she is as good as a widow. She faints, and Robin then gains control of himself. He confronts his accusers at dinner in a sort of play-within-a-play, and chases Sentloe, Broughton and Warman out, threatening to kill them. That night, disguised as a Citizen, he meets with Marian. Marian and Queen Elinor have changed clothes to thwart pursuit. The Queen hopes Robin, with whom she is in love, will mistake her for Marian and steal her away and leave Marian behind, but Marian has told Robin of the switch. He pretends to reject Marian in favor of the Queen, and then escapes with the disguised Marian. He next rescues Scarlet and Scathlock from hanging by pretending to be an old man. He tells Warman that the two killed his son and that he wants to kill them himself. He announces that he will blow his horn just as they did when they killed his son, but this is really a signal for Little John and Much to attack. After they chase off Warman and Ralph, Tuck, impressed, asks to join Robin. Robin decides to become an outlaw and hide in the forest until Richard returns. Robin then renames himself Robin Hood (although he has been using that name since the beginning) and renames Matilda Maid Marian. He also establishes rules for his outlaws, including respect for clergy, protection of the poor and chastity, the latter of which, oddly enough, only Much objects to. The Prior and Doncaster enter the forest to try to capture Robin, but he is warned by Tuck and Jenny and they escape. When Fitzwater, Marian's father, enters the forest, he finds Robin and Marian and they give him meat and drink. They recognize him despite the fact that he pretends to be a blind man, but, when he asks that they not question him further, they respect his wishes. In rapid succession, Ely, Warman and Prince John all find their way into the forest and are met by Robin, who forgives them wholeheartedly, causing each man, in turn, to regret his actions against Robin. Richard then enters the forest and seeks out Robin. After being received by King Richard, Robin presents him with Fitzwater and Ely, reconciles him with Prince John and then presents Marian, a "gift" to the king that he hopes to receive back. Of course, Richard returns Marian to Robin and hopes their love will last forever.

ROSAMOND
A "ghost character." John refers to her and to Queen Elinor as cursed by her.

SALISBURY
Salisbury enters with John after John has had himself crowned. When John first brings up the idea of becoming king, Salisbury supports him, claiming that England has been without a king for too long, and wins over Chester. He supports John in his condemnation of Ely and argues against Leicester when the latter arrives and expresses his shock that he would support John's usurpation. However, when Richmond arrives and announces that Richard has returned, Salisbury immediately makes plans to seek out Richard and beg for a pardon.

SCATHLOCK
Scathlock is one of two brother outlaws, the other being Scarlet, who, after seven years, were captured by Sir Doncaster and condemned to death. They are rescued by Robin Hood, with the help of Little John, Much and Friar Tuck. They are briefly reunited with their mother before Robin sends her home to safety. Scathlock then tells the story of how they were captured at a wrestling tournament. When Warman later enters the forest in despair and tries to hang himself, Scathlock mocks him before Robin arrives and forgives him. Scathlock then meets with the disguised John. He does not believe that Woodnet (as John calls himself) serves Robin Hood and asks if he was given the oath by Friar Tuck. John tries to flee when Tuck enters, but is stopped by Scathlock's threat to shoot him. Scathlock and John then fight, and Scathlock is beaten. Tuck takes over, and when Marian enters, she recognizes John and sends Scathlock to find Robin. There is no entrance marked for Scathlock, but he must return with Robin because he is noted as being there when Richard arrives.

SCATHLOCK'S MOTHER
Scathlock's Mother enters with Robin Hood after her sons are rescued by him. Robin asks her to go home where she will be safe. Much asks her to send Jenny to them and she promises to do so.

SCARLET
Scarlet is one of two brother outlaws, the other being Scathlock who, after seven years, were captured by Sir Doncaster and condemned to death. They are rescued by Robin Hood, with the help of Little John, Much and Friar Tuck. They are briefly reunited with their mother, before Robin sends her home to safety. Scarlet describes their outlaw life and the people who supported them. When Much complains about promising to stay away from women, Scarlet shushes him and tells Robin to go on. Scarlet is with Tuck and Little John when Much brings Ely to them, and appears to accept that Ely is a countryman from Oxon. He leaves Tuck alone with Ely when asked. Scarlet enters with Little John to announce that they have met with Richard and that he is coming to find Robin.

SEBASTIAN
A "ghost character." Eltham describes how he has been looking at maps to the Indies, where Sebastian, most likely King Sebastian of Portugal, has asked King Ferdinand to establish a colony.

SECOND COLLIER
The Second Collier is one of the men who finds Ely dressed as a woman and trying to escape after falling from John's favor. The Second Collier calls him a monster and claims he must be the thief that robbed Master Michaels. The First Collier addresses someone offstage as "Robin" and this appears to be the Second Collier.

SENTLOE
A mute character. Sir Sentloe is present at the dinner where Robin Hood is outlawed. Robin threatens him, as well as Lacy and Warman, stating that if they do not avoid him, he will execute them all for treachery against him. At this Sentloe and the others run away.

SERVING-MAN
The Serving-man arrives to tell the Prior that six barns have been destroyed by a fire, which has overtones of fate or God's vengeance, since it was touched off by lightning falling in the form of a firedrake. He also reports that those who tried to put it out cursed Warman and claimed it was punishment for his hoarding corn and betraying the Earl of Huntington. The Prior becomes angry and orders the Serving-man from his sight.

SERVANT
The Servant arrives to tell the Prior that he has been replaced by Father Jerome, signaling his fall from grace with John.

SHARPE OF LEEDS
A "ghost character." Sharpe of Leeds made arrows for Scarlet and Scathlock when they were outlaws.

SHERIFF OF KENT
A mute character. The Sheriff of Kent is present when Ely is found by the Colliers, and John tells the Sheriff to take him into custody and send him to Warman.

SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM
Until II.ii, the Sheriff of Nottingham is a separate character; after that, he is subsumed by the character of Warman, indicating incomplete revision. This note covers only the scenes for the separate Sheriff, see the Warman entry for the Sheriff's actions after II.i. The Sheriff is part of the original plot, with the Prior and Warman, to have Robin Hood outlawed, but the Sheriff is worried that it will be difficult. With Warman, he attempts to take Little John's chest, suspecting that it contains Robin's goods, but they are unsuccessful. (See "WARMAN").

SKELTON
In the frame story, Skelton is the creator of the play, and takes the role of Friar Tuck. He is pleased finally to have a chance to rehearse (Eltham has been busy on the King's business) and calls in the actors, reprimanding Little Tracy for acting like a lad rather than Lady Marian. After the dumb show is presented, Skelton has it presented again, and provides commentary for it, in the verse form for which he was famous. While performing as Friar Tuck, Skelton breaks into a long verse railing against overly nice, courtly speech; he is recalled to his character by Little John/Eltham. After Robin has met with and forgiven Ely, Eltham breaks character to complain that Skelton has not included any of the traditional jests or songs of Robin Hood. Skelton defends his play by claiming that the King himself has approved it, and that he shows the true history and tragedy of Robin Hood, not the old jests. Eltham then complains about Skelton breaking into his verse and Skelton tells Eltham to pull on his sleeve if he goes on too long in verse (which he then proceeds to do). After the end of the play, Skelton and Eltham remain to discuss it. Eltham is worried that the play ends before the death of Robin. Skelton suggests that they present the play in two parts and describes to the audience what the next play will contain.

SOLDAN
A "ghost character." His fleet and warlike appearance are mentioned during Leicester's description of Richard's crusade.

SOLDAN'S SON
A "ghost character." Soldon's Son is mentioned by Leicester as the admiral of the Muslim fleet when Richard was on crusade.

THOMAS MANTLE
A mute character. Thomas Mantle is one of the actors in the frame who enters to put on the play. He is pointed out to Little Tracy as the actor who plays Robin Hood. (See "ROBIN HOOD").

TUCK, FRIAR
Friar Tuck first enters with Ralph to give Scarlet and Scathlock last confession before they are hanged. When Robin Hood rescues them, Tuck tells him he would rather serve Robin than the Prior. He then plots with Jenny to pretend to help Doncaster and the Prior capture Robin, but in fact he warns Robin. When Ely enters the forest in disguise, Tuck recognizes him, and tells Robin rather than keep quiet at Ely's request. He enters to tell Robin that Doncaster and the Prior have been attacked and are wounded. He then, with Scathlock, confronts the disguised Prince John and fights with him, before Marian arrives and recognizes him. Tuck is "played" by Skelton and breaks character twice. The first time is when he breaks into a long Skeltonian verse about overly nice manners, and is reprimanded by Little John/Eltham. He promises to try to control himself and asks Eltham to pull on his sleeve if he starts rhyming again. The second time, Eltham stops to complain that there are no traditional jests or songs in the play, and Skelton defends his creation, saying he is telling the true history of Robin Hood.

WAKEFIELD PINNER
A "ghost character." Wakefield Pinner is mentioned by Scarlet as an outlaw who loved Scathlock and himself well. When Prince John enters the forest in disguise, he sings a song by Wakefield Pinner (here spelled Pinder). (See "GEORGE A-GREEN").

WARMAN
Warman is Robin Hood's steward, but he helps John and the Prior in their plan to have him outlawed. Before Robin is outlawed, the Prior gives him one hundred crowns for his help. When Robin is actually outlawed, Warman protests to him, but Robin compares him to Judas, making clear that he is aware of Warman's treachery. With the Sheriff's help, he attempts to take Little John's chest, suspecting that it has Robin's goods in it, but they fail. Beginning at II.ii, Warman takes on the previously separate role of Sheriff of Nottingham, indicating the play's unfinished revision. In his role as Sheriff, he attempts to hang Scarlet and Scathlock as outlaws, but they are rescued by Robin Hood and his men. When Ely escapes from his custody, Prince John is convinced that Warman let him go in exchange for bribes. Warman offers him a letter that accuses the Prior of treason, and John believes him, but remains angry with Warman, who loses his position and is banished. At first he believes that if he can find a place to hide until Ely is taken, he will be reinstated, but after meeting with his Cousin, the Jailor of Nottingham, and a Woman, all three of whom curse and spurn him, he decides his only choice is to commit suicide. He is stopped by Fitzwater, who sends Marian to fetch Robin and his men. Robin then forgives Warman and gives him comfort.

WARMAN'S COUSIN
Warman's Cousin is one of the three characters who mocks Warman after he has been banished. He refuses to succor Warman, having heard of Prince John's anger, and states that he hates the treachery Warman has committed.

WARMAN'S WIFE
Warman's Wife (apparently French from her accent) enters as Little John resists Warman and the Sheriff. She mocks her husband's inability to deal with Little John and tells him she will not sleep with him if he does not arrest Little John immediately. When the Prior comments that Robert is now Robin, as simple a yeoman as his servants, Warman's Wife takes great offense since her husband was Robert's servant. Much accuses her of taking the linens after Robin was outlawed, and she claims she only took them to wash them. When Warman tells her to go away, she does go, but insists that she is angry and should by rights be addressed by all as Mistress Sheriff.

WATCH
When the Sheriff and Warman attempt to look in Little John's box, the Watch shout "Down with him!" when he struggles. Presumably it is the Watch who set upon him, as the stage direction notes, and Little John knocks them down.

WOMAN
The Woman is one of the three characters who mocks Warman after he has been banished. She tells him that he should not expect sympathy from her because he saved her husband from being hanged, because she wishes both were hanged, and condemns him for his betrayal of Robin Hood.

WOODNET
This is a disguise used by Prince John when he flees into the forest.