Fluellen

Fluellen is a fictional Welsh captain in William Shakespeare's plays, primarily appearing in Henry V. He is a valiant and patriotic soldier, known for his meticulous observance of military discipline, historical precedent, and his strong Welsh identity.

Fluellen is portrayed as being extremely proud of his Welsh heritage and frequently peppers his speech with Welsh idioms and references to Welsh history. He is quick to defend the reputation of Wales and its people, sometimes becoming argumentative and passionate in doing so.

Despite his occasional pedantry and tendency to overemphasize historical details, Fluellen is ultimately a likeable and respected character. He demonstrates courage and loyalty throughout the play, and his earnestness provides a comedic counterpoint to the more grandiose rhetoric of other characters. He is also shown to be capable of genuine compassion and forgiveness, notably in his interactions with Captain MacMorris (an Irish officer) and Pistol, whom he forces to eat a leek as punishment for mocking Welsh customs.

Fluellen represents the common soldier, contributing significantly to Henry's victory in France. He provides a perspective grounded in practical concerns and traditional values, contrasting with the more idealized notions of warfare presented by the nobility. His dedication to duty and his fierce cultural pride make him a memorable and endearing figure in Shakespeare's historical drama.