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Constance is the widowed mother of Arthur and the greatest champion of his claim to the English throne. She is also an emotional powerhouse whose forceful speeches give the play many of its most memorable lines. Constance is experienced enough in the ways of politics to be confident when addressing powerful men, and she has no qualms voicing her strong opinions to them. The sheer force of her presence clearly has an impact on these men. After all, it is through her intervention that the French King Philip decides to support Arthur’s claim. However, despite her evident influence, Constance ultimately has no control over events. She can’t stop Philip from forging an alliance with John, and when their newly pledged peace quickly dissolves, she can’t save her son from the English forces that capture him. But though Constance is at the mercy of history, she nonetheless gives full voice to her frustration and grief. Her emotional speeches offer a moving depiction of maternal love in all its complexity and (sometimes) terrifying force.
