King Henry II

The storyline began with King Henry II grieving over the grave of Thomas Becket inside a tomb. It then shifts to his earlier memories, leading up to his present. The flashback commenced with Henry and Becket as very close friends, Becket, a servant and personal advisor to Henry. The movie went so far as to depict Henry II as being homosexual, because of his relationship with Thomas Becket, however this may not have been true. The strength of their friendship was displayed through their conversations and relations: Becket was nearly always by Henry's side, and Henry would often refer to Becket for advice and suggestions. Becket was an Anglo-Saxon; he was a diligent worker and intelligent, making him a very good aid to the king.

Near the beginning of the movie, the two companions were hunting in the woods, when rain began to fall. They found shelter in an Anglo-Saxon hut, where both Thomas and Henry fancied a peasant girl. Henry offered her to Becket, but only if Becket swore to owe him an equal favor in the future. Becket agreed to his lord's demands, but later reassured the girl that she would not be captured. At a later date, Henry desired Thomas' maiden, using the favor that he swore to keep. Thomas was very confused and frustrated about this decision, but finally gave in to the king's request. As a result, his maiden killed herself, however it proved Becket's true loyalty and devotion to his lord.

As the plot continued, Henry admired Thomas' wise advice and counsel, and decided to revive an old political position, appointing Thomas as Chancellor of England. Thomas, as usual, worked very devotedly and soon became famous for his deeds and relations around and across the lands. Henry was pleased to see his companion's success and to have an associate that he could trust. Although their relationship was strong, some foreshadowing hinted at events to come. While remarking upon his friend's success once, Henry stated that Thomas would be as formidable an adversary against him as he was successful for him. It is ironic how Henry's own words could be so correct.

A political issue soon arose, threatening the power of the King of England. Becket brought to Henry's attention the fact that the Church had been gaining power, and might become more powerful than he. Afraid of losing his status, Henry finally conceived a plot to gain partial control of the Church in England.