Prince Hal

Henry Plantagenet
Henriad character
Ronald Gower's sculpture in Stratford-upon-Avon depicting Prince Hal trying on the crown
First appearance	Henry IV, Part 1
Last appearance	Henry V
Created by	William Shakespeare
In-universe information
Gender	Male
Occupation	heir to the throne of England
Religion	Christian
Nationality	English

Prince Hal is the standard term used in literary criticism to refer to Shakespeare's portrayal of the young Henry V of England as a prince before his accession to the throne, taken from the diminutive form of his name used in the plays almost exclusively by Falstaff. Henry is called "Prince Hal" in critical commentary on his character in Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2, though also sometimes in Henry V when discussed in the context of the wider Henriad.

Hal is portrayed as a wayward youth who enjoys the society of petty criminals and wastrels, a depiction which draws on exaggerations of the historical Prince Henry's supposed youthful behaviour. The question of whether Hal's character is cynical or sincere has been widely discussed by critics.