Pushed by Charles, the Dauphin of France, and aware of the exploits of Joan of Arc (Joan la Pucelle), the French attack Talbot at Orleans and drive the English toward the sea. Orleans is taken however by Talbot in a surprise attack that happens at night. Meanwhile back in England, the Duke of Somerset and Richard Plantagenet argue over a letter of a law.

To show whom the nobles support, they are asked to choose a red rose signifying their support for Somerset or a white rose showing their support for Richard who seeks the guidance of his uncle Edmund Mortimer.

Edmund convinces his nephew that the throne rightfully belongs to the house of York rather than the young King Henry. Back in France, Joan of Arc is battling the English and drives them out of Rouen only to lose it again during a counterattack. The coronation for Henry VI's coronation in Paris is being prepared and Talbot and Burgundy will both be there. Joan of Arc asks Burgundy for a meeting on the route to Paris which he agrees to. During their meeting, young Joan convinces Burgundy to support the French cause.

Word of Burgundy's defection travels and soon reaches the ears of Talbot who decides to march his army against him and Richard and the Duke of Somerset are appointed by Henry to help Talbot.

Unfortunately the arguing of Somerset and Richard delays the reinforcements in reaching Talbot in time and Talbot is killed in battle.

Also unfortunately for Joan of Arc, Richard and Somerset stop their quarrelling long enough to capture her and burn her at the stake as a witch.

Elsewhere, to force peace between England and France, Gloucester tries to set up a love match between the king and the daughter of a French lord but the Earl of Suffolk, has his own plans and introduces the king to Margaret of Anjou so he can control the king through her.

This ends the play which leads into Henry VI, Part II.