How does the relationship between Falstaff and Prince Harry (Hal) change over the course of King Henry IV? What do the shifts reveal about Hal? What do they reveal about Falstaff?

Falstaff serves as a father-figure to Hal in that he teaches Hal about the world of commoners, the people Hal will one day rule; Falstaff also teaches Hal some of the useful "skills" he has learned in this world, including drinking and high-way robbery. Critics have argued that Hal rejects Falstaff's teachings, just as he rejects those of his own father.

Hal's rejection of Falstaff is inevitable because Falstaff represents disorder. His triumph would mean the victory of anarchy over order, stability and justice.