Questionable is the story of Prince Hal and how he undergoes such an endless transformation that we may have difficulty understanding the struggles he has had to endure. Throughout the course of events in William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I, the characters' first impressions are depicted and remain strong throughout the majority of the play. From the beginning of the play we understand that Hal is an immature extrovert who does not see the need for careful behavior. Unlike his father, King Henry IV, Hal does not make sufficient efforts to prove that he can hold the power that will ultimately be his when he succeeds his father on the throne. Throughout the play there is controversy between the king and Hal as a direct result of Hal's performance as the prince. From gallantry in the tavern, to fighting at the Battle of Shrewsbury, Hal becomes the son King Henry always insisted he be. The father/son relationship is a significant theme in this play, along with Prince Hal's other relationships with important people. male figures such as Hotspur and Falstaff. Falstaff is a favorite in this play, it is quite obvious that he is the butt of a multitude of jokes; somehow maintains a certain balance. On the other hand, we have Hotspur, a talented and courageous young man whom the king would like to be his son: "That some night fairy had exchanged / In cradle clothes our children where they lay / And called mine "Percy", his “ Plantagenet”!/ Then I would have his Harry, and he mine” (1.1.86-89) Both Hotspur and Hal are the intended future leaders of their country, but Hal does not seem to understand his role in its entirety (at least the his actions did not demonstrate his maturity towards the likes of King Henry IV). the potential to become the next king, but in the end his father may no longer be satisfied with Hal's performance. Works Cited Kastan, David Scott Introduction . Print.Kastan, David Scott. "The king has many that march in his cloak." 1 Henry IV. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. 330-346. Print.Khan, Coppelia. “Identifies the masculine.” 1 Henry IV. By William Shakespeare. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. 330-346. Print.Reno, Raymond H. “Hotspur: The Integration of Character and Theme.” Henry the Fourth, Part I, by William Shakespeare. Ed. James L. Sanderson. 2nd ed. New York: Norton, 1969. 235-244. Print.Shakespeare, William. 1 Henry IV. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. Print.