Is Harry Hotspur portrayed as a villain in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I?

Question

Having studied Shakespeare's play *Henry IV, Part I* and seen a performance of it in Stratford, I'm still uncertain of how we're meant to view the character of Henry Percy (Harry Hotspur). Clearly he's a foil to the other Prince Harry, and the main antagonist of the story, the fight between the two Harrys coming at the climax of the play. But is he portrayed as an evil villain, or simply someone who happens to be on the opposite side to the protagonist? Cf. for example Richard III, who's definitely portrayed as a villain in the eponymous play - I never got the same feeling about Hotspur.

Answer 1

Hotspur is not a true villain. He is a rival who embodies many positive qualities. He is not the protagonist and as a result isn't the main focus. However, overcoming him, and his truly strong abilities and qualities make him important. he is not not evil in any real way, and as a result isn't a true villain.