King Henry VI, just a mere infant, occupies the throne after his father's death. Leadership gone, the struggle for power soon resurfaces between the two ancient houses of Lancaster and York. The Duke of Gloucester the appointed Protector, and therefore ruler of England, is feuding with Winchester, a bishop and cardinal. Meanwhile, Richard Plantagenet and the Duke of York are in fierce disagreement, more intent on taking each other down than in defending English territories from the French. The furious, indomitable Talbot is England's leader in France, but despite his reputation he is unable to suppress the French. Under the bold leadership of Joan of Arc his forces are driven back to the sea. One of Shakespeare's early works, Part 1 is a multifaceted introduction to the reign of King Henry VI.