The Lion in Winter opens with Christmas 1183 in King Henry II of England 's castle in Chinon, France. Henry is examining with his special lady, Alais, the forthcoming day 's occasions. Obviously, a great part of the discussion and thought will center around Henry 's successor to the throne. In another room the three sons are as of now scoffing about who will be king, soon joined by their mother, and after that by Henry and Alais. Henry then turns the dialog to the matter at the forefront of everybody 's thoughts: well what should we hang? The holly or one another Richard demands that he get to be king in light of the fact that he is the oldest and the most proficient. John is certain he will acquire the throne in light of the fact that he is his father 's decision. What 's more, Geoffrey, the center child, feels unappreciated, with no chance at the entire throne. At that point the sons and Alais depart, allowing Henry and Eleanor to sit unbothered. A significant part of the rest of the play is loaded with the duplicitous machinations of the different individuals from the family. At different times Henry courts every child, wanting to propel his plan through untruths and control. Eleanor does likewise. Now and again it is hard to tell who needs what and what the truth is. The three sons do likewise, blending up with one another in different combinations, planning to get the assistance of the others. John and Geoffrey at one point even arrangement a war, with King Philip 's