&quot;King John&quot;, (in full &quot;<i>The Life and Death of King John</i>&quot;) is a chronicle play in five acts by William Shakespeare written perhaps in 1594&ndash;96.<br /><br />The title figure provides the central focus of the play and is surrounded by many contrasting characters&mdash;each able to influence him, each bringing irresolvable and individual problems into dramatic focus. Chief among these characters are John&rsquo;s domineering mother, Queen Eleanor (formerly Eleanor of Aquitaine), and Philip the Bastard, who supports the king and yet mocks all political and moral pretensions.<br /><br />King John of England goes to war against the French after claims that his nephew should be king instead. John has conflict with the church, orders his nephew&#39;s death, and turns the nobles against himself. In the end, a tragic fate is awaiting John...