King Jobn, chronologically the earliest of the history plays and probably written circa 1596, is unique, standing apart from Shakespeare's depiction of the Tudor view of English history in the cycle of plays that begins with Richard Ⅱ and ends with Richard Ⅲ.

 King John is dominated by the Bastard Faulconbridge.This supposed illegitimate son of Richard Coeur de Lion serves the dual role of both chorus and protagonist in this frequently underestimated play, one of Shakespeare"s earliest. Faulconbridge progresses from cynicism to statesmanship as he contemplates the results of John"susurpation of the English throne, the death of Arthur,the rightful heir, and the descent of the nation into chaos.Satire, tragedy and farce all play their part in this masterly examination of the nature and responsibilities of kingship and the concept of the nation-state.