One of the most important aspects of 1 Henry IV is the development and transgressions of Hal who is the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne. The play's focus on the family reminds us that the struggles England endured through its growth were largely struggles inside the royal family. Hal's character is at a point where he is unable to define who he will be; a responsible part of the monarch, as his father would like to see, or a rogue as is John Falstaff. Throughout the play the prince keeps company with Falstaff, who is indeed a knight but hardly acts as one would hope. He lies, robs travellers and frequents the bar and whorehouse owned by Mistress Quickly. By scene iv of the fifth act it is clear that the Prince will fulfil his role and embrace his noble birth by standing with his father to fight against the rebels. At the end of the battle Hal makes it clear to himself but also to Falstaff that he will no longer be amongst his clan of rabble rousers.
             Undoubtedly Prince Hal is a noble character on a small scale and as early on as the second scene in the first act he is hinting at his uncertainties about his role in the state. He states: "So when this loose behavior I throw off and pay the debt I never promised..." In this "loose behavior" refers to his dealing with Falstaff and the low life of the tavern and the "debt" he "never promised" is upholding the lineage of the monarchy. However, it is not until the battle when Hal puts his selfish, albeit true, loyalty behind him and defends his father who is being attacked by Douglas. Although he does not kill Douglas, Hal shows that he has become a man of honour and dignity. His father recognises this: "In this fair rescue thou hast brought to me...some tender of my life." This shows that Hal's decision to change is outwardly apparent to others, but most importantly, to his father.
             Another aspect of Hal's commitment to change can be seen in the lines that Shakespeare has given ...