Corporal Nym

Corporal Nym is a soldier in the London scenes of Henry V, introduced among Lieutenant Bardolph, Ancient Pistol, and their tavern circle. His few recorded lines establish an apparent tension with Ancient Pistol but do not settle whether the two men are reconciled; his later presence in a larger group keeps him within the play’s recurring company of soldiers and companions.

Identity and Introduction

Nym first appears on a London street with Lieutenant Bardolph, who greets him as Corporal Nym. The military title identifies his rank, while the immediate conversational focus is personal rather than military: Bardolph asks whether Nym and Ancient Pistol have become friends yet. Nym is thus introduced through a question about an existing dispute or estrangement, though the brief evidence does not explain its history.

Speech and Relationships

Nym says that, for his part, he does not care, and that he says little, before beginning a qualification that remains unfinished in the available exchange. The words suggest a posture of indifference and reserve, but the cutoff prevents any firm account of what he would do or say next. The play places his response beside Bardolph’s question about Ancient Pistol without supplying a resolution, leaving their friendship uncertain.

Nym appears again in a London scene before a tavern, entering with Ancient Pistol, Hostess Quickly, Lieutenant Bardolph, and Boy. This group entrance situates him among the same companions, now gathered at a public meeting place; the evidence establishes his continued presence in their company, but gives no further action or speech of his own there.