Richard III
by
William Shakespeare
Richard III is a historical play that tells the story of the rise and fall of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. The play begins with Richard's brother, King Edward IV, on the throne. Richard, who is physically deformed and bitter about his position in the family, plots to take the throne for himself.
Richard manipulates and murders his way to the throne, eliminating anyone who stands in his way. He even arranges for the deaths of his own nephews, the young princes who are next in line for the throne. With no heirs left, Richard is crowned King of England.
However, Richard's reign is short-lived. He faces opposition from the Woodville family, who were loyal to Edward IV. Richard's own allies begin to turn against him, and he is eventually defeated in battle by Henry Tudor, who becomes King Henry VII.
The play explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of ambition. It also features some of Shakespeare's most famous lines, including "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" and "Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York."
Act I
Act 1 of Richard III opens with a soliloquy by the protagonist, Richard, who is the Duke of Gloucester and the brother of the current king, Edward IV. Richard expresses his discontent with his physical deformity and his desire to overthrow his brother to become king himself. He then proceeds to manipulate and deceive various characters, including his other brother, the Duke of Clarence, and the Queen, to achieve his goal.
Richard convinces Clarence that he is in danger of being killed by the King and convinces the Queen to support him in his bid for the throne by promising her that he will help her sons, who are next in line for the crown, ascend to the throne. Richard also begins to woo Lady Anne Neville, who he has previously widowed, by pretending to mourn her husband's death and expressing his love for her.
The act ends with Richard successfully securing the support of the Queen and the Lord Mayor of London, as well as arranging for the execution of Clarence. Richard is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming king, and the audience is left to wonder how far he will go to achieve his ambition.
SCENE I. London. A street.
Scene 1 of Act 1 begins with a soliloquy by Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. He expresses his anger and frustration over being physically deformed and being excluded from the royal court because of his appearance. He describes his scheming nature and his desire for power, noting that he is determined to take the throne for himself.
Richard then reveals his plan to manipulate his brother, King Edward IV, into exiling their other brother, George, Duke of Clarence, in order to eliminate any potential threats to his own ascension to the throne. He also hints at his intention to kill anyone who opposes him, including their other brother, the Duke of Somerset.
Richard's soliloquy ends with him expressing his confidence in his own abilities and his belief that he will ultimately succeed in his quest for power. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the play, introducing Richard as a cunning and ruthless character who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Enter GLOUCESTER, solus
Exeunt CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and Guard
Enter HASTINGS
Exit
SCENE II. The same. Another street.
Act 1, Scene 2 starts with the entrance of Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, who is unhappy about his physical deformity and jealous of his brother, Edward IV, who has become the King of England. He devises a plan to take the throne for himself by first getting rid of the current heirs to the throne, his nephews, who are young children.
Richard then meets with Lady Anne to ask for her hand in marriage, despite having killed her husband and father-in-law in battle. He manipulates her into agreeing to the marriage, causing her to question her own morals and judgment.
As Richard leaves, he encounters Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York, who are mourning the death of King Edward IV. Richard pretends to sympathize with their grief, but secretly plots to seize the throne for himself. He also reveals his true intentions to the audience, stating that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
The scene ends with Richard planning to use his charm and deceit to manipulate and deceive those around him in his quest for power.
Enter the corpse of KING HENRY the Sixth, Gentlemen with halberds to guard it; LADY ANNE being the mourner
Enter GLOUCESTER
Exeunt LADY ANNE, TRESSEL, and BERKELEY
Exit
SCENE III. The palace.
In Scene 3 of Act 1, a conversation takes place between three men who are discussing the current state of affairs in the country. The first man, Lord Hastings, is worried about the safety of the young prince who is next in line for the throne. He believes that the Prince's life is in danger because of the power-hungry Richard, who is determined to become king at any cost.
The second man, Lord Stanley, agrees with Hastings and expresses his concern for his own safety as well. He reveals that he has been receiving threatening messages from Richard, who is suspicious of Stanley's loyalty to the current king. Stanley also mentions that he has heard rumors of Richard's plans to marry the young widow of a former king in order to strengthen his claim to the throne.
The third man, Bishop of Ely, tries to calm Hastings and Stanley down by suggesting that they wait and see what happens. He believes that things will work out in the end and that Richard may not be as dangerous as they think. However, Hastings and Stanley are not convinced and continue to worry about the future of the country.
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, RIVERS, and GREY
Enter BUCKINGHAM and DERBY
Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and DORSET
Exit
Enter CATESBY
Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER
Exeunt
SCENE IV. London. The Tower.
In Scene 4 of Act 1, two lords discuss the current political climate in England. They express their concerns over the recent rise of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his apparent ambition to seize the throne. They also discuss the imprisonment of the former king's sons, Edward and Richard, and speculate on their fate. One of the lords expresses sympathy for the young princes and suggests that they may be better off dead than living in such uncertain times. However, the other lord argues that it is too early to give up hope for their release and that they may still have allies who could rescue them. The conversation ends with both lords agreeing that they must be cautious and wait to see how events unfold before taking any action.
Enter CLARENCE and BRAKENBURY
Enter the two Murderers
BRAKENBURY reads it
Exit BRAKENBURY
Exit, with the body
Re-enter First Murderer
Exit
Act II
Act 2 of Richard III begins with the murder of King Henry VI in the Tower of London. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is seen planning his next move with his confidant Buckingham. The two discuss the possibility of Richard becoming king and how they can eliminate anyone who stands in their way.
Richard then meets with Lady Anne, the widow of Prince Edward, whom he had murdered in the previous act. He attempts to woo her and convinces her to marry him despite the fact that he is responsible for her husband's death. Richard then sets his sights on the throne and begins to manipulate those around him to achieve his goal.
Richard also meets with the Mayor of London and convinces him to support his bid for the throne. The Mayor agrees to rally his citizens to Richard's cause and Richard promises to protect their rights and freedoms.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family are suspicious of Richard's intentions and fear for their own safety. They plan to flee London and seek refuge in the sanctuary of Westminster Abbey.
As Act 2 comes to a close, Richard continues to plot and scheme to secure his claim to the throne. He is ruthless and calculating, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his ambition.
SCENE I. London. The palace.
The second act of the play opens with a conversation between Clarence and a few other characters. Clarence is worried about his life and believes that his brother, King Edward IV, wants him dead. He mentions that he had a dream in which he was drowned by his brother's entourage. The others try to reassure him, but Clarence remains anxious.
Next, we see Richard, Duke of Gloucester, discussing his plans with a few of his followers. He reveals that he wants to become king and he needs to eliminate anyone who stands in his way. He decides to manipulate his brother, the king, into believing that Clarence is a traitor. He plans to have Clarence arrested and executed.
In the following scene, we see King Edward IV and his court discussing the state of the kingdom. Richard plants the seed of doubt in the king's mind about Clarence's loyalty. The king orders Clarence's arrest, much to the dismay of his wife and other members of his court.
Clarence is then taken to the Tower of London, where he meets two murderers who have been hired by Richard to kill him. Despite his pleas for mercy, they carry out the deed and Clarence is killed.
The act ends with Richard feigning sadness over Clarence's death and using it as an opportunity to gain favor with the king and further his own ambitions.
Flourish. Enter KING EDWARD IV sick, QUEEN ELIZABETH, DORSET, RIVERS, HASTINGS, BUCKINGHAM, GREY, and others
They embrace
Enter GLOUCESTER
Enter DERBY
Exeunt some with KING EDWARD IV and QUEEN MARGARET
Exeunt
SCENE II. The palace.
Scene 2 of Act 2 takes place in the palace of the Duke of York. The Duchess of York enters with her son Clarence and asks him why he looks so sad. Clarence tells her that he has had a nightmare in which he was in a ship that was about to sink. He saw Richard, his brother, standing on the shore and laughing at him. The Duchess tries to console Clarence by telling him that it was just a dream and that he should not worry about it.
Richard then enters and greets the Duchess and Clarence. He tells them that he has been made Lord Protector of England and that he will be in charge of the government until the young Prince Edward is old enough to rule. The Duchess is pleased to hear this news and congratulates Richard. However, Clarence is not happy about Richard's new position of power and tells him that he is not fit to be Lord Protector.
Richard tries to convince Clarence that he will be a good ruler and that he should trust him. He tells Clarence that he has had a vision in which he saw Clarence being crowned king. Clarence is skeptical and asks Richard how he can be sure that this vision will come true. Richard tells him that he has a plan to make it happen, but he cannot reveal it yet.
The scene ends with Richard leaving the Duchess and Clarence to think about his proposal. Clarence is still unsure about trusting Richard, but the Duchess tells him that he should give him a chance. She believes that Richard truly wants what is best for the family and for England.
Enter the DUCHESS OF YORK, with the two children of CLARENCE
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, with her hair about her ears; RIVERS, and DORSET after her
Enter GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, and RATCLIFF
Exeunt all but BUCKINGHAM and GLOUCESTER
Exeunt
SCENE III. London. A street.
Scene 3 of Act 2 is set in a palace. Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King Edward IV, is trying to convince her brother, the Duke of Clarence, to support her family against the scheming Richard, Duke of Gloucester. However, Clarence is hesitant to get involved and leaves abruptly.
Queen Elizabeth then speaks with Lord Hastings, a loyal supporter of King Edward IV. She tells him of her fears that Richard is plotting against her family and asks for his help in protecting them. Hastings reassures her that he is on her side and promises to keep an eye on Richard.
Richard enters and begins to charm and manipulate Hastings, hinting that Queen Elizabeth and her family are a threat to the stability of England. Hastings starts to doubt his loyalty to the queen and agrees to help Richard if he becomes king. Richard then reveals his plan to remove anyone who stands in his way, including Queen Elizabeth and her children.
The scene ends with Hastings agreeing to help Richard and the queen feeling more vulnerable than ever. It sets the stage for the upcoming power struggle between Richard and the royal family, which will ultimately lead to a bloody and tragic conclusion.
Enter two Citizens meeting
Enter another Citizen
Exeunt
SCENE IV. London. The palace.
Scene 4 of Act 2 features the character of Queen Elizabeth, who is the wife of King Edward IV and mother of the Princes in the Tower. She is visited by her brother, Lord Rivers, and her son, Lord Grey, who bring news that Richard, Duke of Gloucester, has been named Lord Protector of England. Queen Elizabeth is unhappy with this news, as she knows that Richard has always harbored a hatred for her and her family.
Lord Rivers attempts to calm her down and assures her that he will try to negotiate with Richard on their behalf. However, Queen Elizabeth is still worried and asks Lord Grey to go to France to seek help from her family there.
As Lord Rivers and Lord Grey leave, Queen Elizabeth is visited by Richard himself. He attempts to charm her and win her trust, but she is not fooled and accuses him of being behind the disappearance of her sons. Richard denies any involvement and tries to convince her that he has her best interests at heart, but Queen Elizabeth remains suspicious and wary of him.
The scene ends with Queen Elizabeth expressing her fear and uncertainty about the future, as she knows that Richard will stop at nothing to gain power and eliminate anyone who stands in his way.
Enter the ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, young YORK, QUEEN ELIZABETH, and the DUCHESS OF YORK
Enter a Messenger
Exeunt
Act III
Act 3 of Richard III begins with the Duke of Buckingham attempting to convince the citizens of London to support Richard's claim to the throne. Buckingham tells them that Richard is the rightful king and that he will be a just ruler. However, he is interrupted by the entrance of Queen Elizabeth and the young princes, who are being sent to the Tower for their safety. Richard enters and attempts to calm the situation, assuring the Queen that the princes will be well taken care of.
Meanwhile, Richard plots with two murderers to have the young princes killed. He also arranges to have his own wife, Anne, murdered so that he can marry his niece, Elizabeth, and secure his claim to the throne.
The first attempt to kill the princes is unsuccessful, but the murderers are able to convince a third man to help them. Richard is pleased with their success and begins to consolidate his power. However, he is haunted by the ghosts of those he has murdered, including his own brother and the young princes.
In the final scene of Act 3, Richard is visited by the Lord Mayor of London and a group of citizens who offer him the crown. Richard accepts, claiming that he is reluctant to take on the responsibility but will do so for the good of the country. The act ends with Richard preparing for his coronation and the audience left wondering what horrors will come in Act 4.
SCENE I. London. A street.
Act 3, Scene 1 opens with King Richard III asking Buckingham about the state of the people's loyalty towards him. Buckingham assures him that the people are loyal and that he has arranged for a group of citizens to come and urge Richard to become king. They enter and plead with Richard to take the throne, but he initially refuses, saying that he is not fit to rule. However, he eventually agrees to become king and thanks the citizens for their support.
After the citizens leave, Richard and Buckingham discuss the upcoming coronation and the need to eliminate any potential threats to Richard's reign. They decide to have Clarence, Richard's brother, killed in order to secure Richard's position. Buckingham is hesitant at first, but Richard convinces him that it is necessary for their safety.
Later, Queen Elizabeth enters with her children, begging Richard to spare their lives and allow them to live in peace. Richard promises to spare their lives but suggests that his brother, the Duke of York, should be sent to the Tower of London for his own safety. Elizabeth reluctantly agrees.
The scene ends with Richard revealing his true intentions to the audience in a soliloquy, expressing his desire for power and his willingness to do anything to maintain it.
The trumpets sound. Enter the young PRINCE EDWARD, GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM, CARDINAL, CATESBY, and others
Enter the Lord Mayor and his train
Enter HASTINGS
Enter young YORK, HASTINGS, and the CARDINAL
A Sennet. Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM and CATESBY
Exit CATESBY
Exeunt
SCENE II. Before Lord Hastings' house.
In Scene 2 of Act 3, a council meeting is held to discuss the fate of the Duke of Clarence, who has been imprisoned for treason. King Richard III enters and accuses Clarence of plotting against him. The council members urge Richard to show mercy, but he is determined to have his brother executed. The Duke of Buckingham suggests that they bring in a soothsayer named Dr. Shaw to determine whether or not Clarence is guilty.
Dr. Shaw is brought in and he reads Clarence's palm, which he claims shows that he is guilty. Despite protests from the council members, Richard orders Clarence's execution. The Duke of Buckingham is sent to carry out the orders.
After Buckingham leaves, Richard is left alone on stage and delivers a soliloquy about his own ambition and the lengths he will go to in order to secure the throne. He declares that he will stop at nothing, even if it means killing his own family members.
The scene ends with Richard receiving news that Clarence has been executed, and he expresses regret that he could not have been more merciful. However, he quickly recovers and begins to plan his next move in his quest for power.
Enter a Messenger
Enter HASTINGS
Exit
Enter CATESBY
Enter a Pursuivant
Throws him his purse
Exit
Enter a Priest
He whispers in his ear
Enter BUCKINGHAM
Exeunt
SCENE III. Pomfret Castle.
Scene 3 of Act 3 of this play begins with a conversation between Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, and the young Duke of York. They talk about the recent deaths of King Edward IV and his brother George, Duke of Clarence. Queen Elizabeth expresses her concern for her children's safety, as their uncle Richard has been named Lord Protector and has been acting suspiciously.
Richard enters and tries to reassure them that he is acting in their best interests. However, the Duchess of York is skeptical and accuses Richard of being responsible for the deaths of her sons Edward and George. Richard denies this and accuses the Queen's family of plotting against him.
As they argue, the Duke of York innocently asks for a plum and Richard uses this as an opportunity to demonstrate his sinister side. He orders a page to bring him a bowl of poisoned plums and offers them to the young Duke of York. The Duchess of York and Queen Elizabeth are horrified and try to intervene, but Richard insists that the boy eat the plums.
The scene ends with the young Duke of York eating one of the plums and falling ill. The Queen and Duchess are distraught and Richard seems pleased with himself, showing no remorse for his actions. The scene leaves the audience on edge, wondering what other terrible deeds Richard will commit in his quest for power.
Enter RATCLIFF, with halberds, carrying RIVERS, GREY, and VAUGHAN to death
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The Tower of London.
Scene 4 of Act 3 is set in a room in the Tower of London where Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York are discussing the current state of affairs. The Queen is mourning the death of her son, Edward, and fears for the safety of her remaining children. The Duchess tries to comfort her but is also concerned about the danger they face from Richard, who has recently become king.
The two women are interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of York, who is Elizabeth's son and the younger brother of Edward. The boy is afraid and confused by the situation, not understanding why his brother is dead and why Richard has taken the throne. The Duchess tries to reassure him but Elizabeth is more practical, telling him that they must be careful and stay out of Richard's way.
As they continue to talk, the group is joined by Lord Hastings, who is a loyal supporter of Edward's family and has been imprisoned by Richard. Hastings is also worried about Richard's intentions and warns the women that they must be careful. He reveals that Richard has been acting strangely and has been making deals with the Duke of Buckingham, who is also a supporter of Richard's claim to the throne.
As the scene ends, the group is left to ponder the uncertain future that lies ahead. They are all aware that Richard is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to keep his grip on power, and they fear for their own safety and the safety of the kingdom. The scene sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold in the remainder of the play.
Enter BUCKINGHAM, DERBY, HASTINGS, the BISHOP OF ELY, RATCLIFF, LOVEL, with others, and take their seats at a table
Enter GLOUCESTER
Exit
Exit GLOUCESTER, BUCKINGHAM following
Re-enter BISHOP OF ELY
Re-enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM
Exeunt all but HASTINGS, RATCLIFF, and LOVEL
Exeunt
SCENE V. The Tower-walls.
Scene 5 of Act 3 takes place in the Tower of London where the two young princes, Edward and Richard, are staying. The scene begins with Richard entering the room where the princes are sleeping, accompanied by two murderers. He urges them to kill the boys, claiming that they pose a threat to his claim to the throne. The murderers hesitate at first, but Richard convinces them to go through with the act.
As the murderers approach the princes, one of them has a change of heart and decides not to go through with the plan. The other murderer, however, proceeds to smother the boys with their pillows. After they are dead, Richard enters the room and feigns grief, claiming that he had no knowledge of their deaths.
The scene is a pivotal moment in the play, as it marks the point of no return for Richard's character. Up until this point, he has been presented as a complex and charismatic figure, but his decision to murder two innocent children solidifies his status as a villain.
Enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM, in rotten armour, marvellous ill-favoured
Enter the Lord Mayor and CATESBY
Enter LOVEL and RATCLIFF, with HASTINGS' head
Exit Lord Mayor
Exit BUCKINGHAM
Exit
SCENE VI. The same.
Scene 6 of Act 3 begins with King Richard III meeting with Lord Hastings and telling him about a dream he had where he was attacked by boars. Richard then suggests that the dream is a warning that there are traitors in their midst and orders Hastings to have Lord Stanley's son arrested. Hastings is skeptical but Richard insists that he is not to be questioned.
Next, Richard meets with the Mayor of London and tells him that he has evidence of a plot to overthrow him and that he must act quickly to prevent it. He orders the arrest of Lord Hastings and two other lords.
Shortly after, the Bishop of Ely arrives and tells Richard that he has heard rumors of a plot to place the Duke of York (Richard's nephew) on the throne. Richard assures the bishop that he has nothing to fear and that he will protect him, but then turns around and orders his arrest as well.
Finally, the scene ends with Richard sending a message to the Queen, asking her to send their son to him so that he can be crowned prince. The audience is left with a sense of unease as it becomes clear that Richard is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his power, even if it means betraying and arresting those closest to him.
Enter a Scrivener, with a paper in his hand
Exit
SCENE VII. Baynard's Castle.
In Scene 7 of Act 3, a meeting takes place between the current king and the Duke of Buckingham. The king is feeling uneasy and paranoid, suspecting that there are those who wish to overthrow him and seize the throne for themselves. He discusses his fears with Buckingham, who reassures him that there is no reason to worry.
The conversation takes a dark turn when the king suggests that certain individuals may be plotting against him. He asks Buckingham to investigate and bring him any evidence of treachery. Buckingham agrees, but it is clear that he has his own agenda. He sees this as an opportunity to further his own ambitions and gain more power.
As the scene progresses, Buckingham becomes increasingly manipulative and cunning, planting the seeds of doubt in the king's mind and suggesting that certain individuals are indeed plotting against him. He also suggests that the only way to prevent a rebellion is to eliminate those who pose a threat.
The scene ends with the king agreeing to Buckingham's plan, unaware that he is being led down a dangerous path. It is clear that there are dark forces at work, and that the king's paranoia and fear are being exploited for someone else's gain.
Enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM, at several doors
Exit
Enter GLOUCESTER aloft, between two Bishops. CATESBY returns
Exit BUCKINGHAM with the Citizens
Exeunt
Act IV
Act 4 of Richard III opens with Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York discussing the dire state of affairs in England. They fear for the safety of the young princes, who are currently in the Tower of London under the protection of Richard. Meanwhile, Richard is plotting his next move, and he enlists the help of Sir James Tyrrell to carry out a heinous crime.
Tyrrell is tasked with murdering the princes, and he agrees to carry out the deed. With the princes out of the way, Richard believes he will be able to secure his claim to the throne. However, Buckingham, who has been a loyal ally to Richard, begins to have second thoughts about his allegiance. He is disturbed by Richard's ruthless behavior and decides to defect to the side of Henry Tudor, who is preparing to launch an invasion of England.
As the play approaches its climax, Richard is besieged by enemies on all sides. He is haunted by the ghosts of those he has murdered, and his conscience is finally catching up with him. Meanwhile, Henry Tudor lands in Wales and begins to gather support for his cause. Richard and his army march to meet Henry's forces at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
The battle is fierce, and Richard fights valiantly, but in the end, he is killed by a blow to the head. With Richard dead, Henry Tudor is declared the new king of England, and the play ends with a sense of hope for the future. While Richard's reign may have been marked by violence and tyranny, the country can now look forward to a new era of peace and stability.
SCENE I. Before the Tower.
Scene 1 of Act 4 takes place in a room in the Tower of London. Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of York, and her daughter-in-law Anne Neville are discussing the current state of affairs. The Queen is grieving the loss of her children, the young princes, and is worried about the safety of her other children. Anne is mourning the death of her husband, the Duke of Gloucester, and is also fearful for her life.
The Duchess of York enters and tries to console the Queen, but the Queen accuses her of being the cause of her children's deaths. The Duchess denies this and reminds the Queen that they are both grieving for their lost loved ones. The conversation then turns to the Duke of Buckingham, who has recently been executed for treason.
The Queen is pleased with this news, as she sees Buckingham as a threat to her family. However, Anne is disturbed by the fact that the Duke of Gloucester, her husband, was instrumental in Buckingham's downfall. She accuses the Queen of being responsible for the Duke's death and warns her that she will not rest until she sees justice served.
The conversation becomes heated, with the Queen and Anne trading insults and accusations. The Duchess of York tries to intervene, but is unable to calm the two women down. The scene ends with the Queen storming out of the room, leaving Anne and the Duchess alone to mourn their losses.
Enter, on one side, QUEEN ELIZABETH, DUCHESS OF YORK, and DORSET; on the other, ANNE, Duchess of Gloucester, leading Lady Margaret Plantagenet, CLARENCE's young Daughter
Exit
Enter LORD STANLEY
Exeunt
SCENE II. London. The palace.
Scene 2 of Act 4 takes place in a tent on the battlefield. King Richard III enters with his allies and discusses his plan for the next day's battle. He orders his men to kill every prisoner they take, claiming that he cannot afford to feed them. He then dismisses his allies and is left alone with his conscience. He is haunted by the ghosts of those he has killed, including his brother, King Edward IV, and the young princes in the Tower. They curse him and urge him to despair. Richard is shaken by their appearance and tries to fight back against their accusations, but to no avail. He falls to his knees and begs for mercy, but the ghosts continue to taunt him. Finally, he wakes up from his nightmare, realizing that he is alone in his tent. He is shaken by the experience and believes that it is a sign of his impending doom.
Sennet. Enter KING RICHARD III, in pomp, crowned; BUCKINGHAM, CATESBY, a page, and others
Exit
Stands apart
Exit
Re-enter BUCKINGHAM
Exeunt all but BUCKINGHAM
Exit
SCENE III. The same.
Scene 3 of Act 4 is a pivotal moment in the play as it marks the climax of Richard's rise to power and the beginning of his downfall. In this scene, Richard has just been crowned as King of England and is celebrating his victory over the Lancastrian forces. He is approached by Lord Stanley, who has been a loyal supporter of the Yorkist cause, but is now hesitant to pledge his allegiance to Richard.
Richard, sensing Stanley's reluctance, threatens to execute Stanley's son, who is currently being held hostage by the Yorkists. Stanley is left with no choice but to swear loyalty to Richard, but he does so in a way that reveals his true feelings: "I hope I shall not need to make long-winded excuses for my tardiness."
Richard, however, is not satisfied with Stanley's half-hearted oath of loyalty and orders his execution. At this moment, the ghosts of Richard's victims begin to haunt him, including King Henry VI, Edward IV, Edward's young sons, and Richard's own wife Anne Neville. The ghosts accuse Richard of their murders and warn him of his impending downfall.
This scene is significant because it marks the turning point in the play where Richard's actions catch up to him and his downfall begins. It also highlights the theme of divine justice and the consequences of one's actions, as Richard is haunted by the ghosts of his victims and forced to confront the consequences of his ruthless ambition.
Enter TYRREL
Enter CATESBY
Exeunt
SCENE IV. Before the palace.
Scene 4 of Act 4 involves the character of Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King Edward IV, grieving over the death of her two sons at the hands of Richard III. She is joined by the Duchess of York, the mother of both King Edward IV and Richard III, who attempts to console her daughter-in-law.
Queen Elizabeth laments the cruel fate that has befallen her family, blaming Richard III for the deaths of her young sons. She believes that her husband's brother has committed unspeakable acts in his quest for power and that he will stop at nothing to maintain his hold on the throne.
The Duchess of York, however, attempts to offer a different perspective, reminding Queen Elizabeth that all men must die eventually and that it is God's will that determines the fate of each individual. She also suggests that perhaps Richard III is not entirely to blame for the tragedy that has befallen their family, as there may have been other factors at play.
The conversation between the two women is tense and emotional, with Queen Elizabeth struggling to come to terms with the loss of her children and the fear that Richard III will continue to wreak havoc on their lives. The Duchess of York, on the other hand, is more resigned to the situation, recognizing that there is little they can do to change the past and that they must focus on the future.
Overall, Scene 4 of Act 4 is a powerful and poignant moment in the play, highlighting the devastating impact that political ambition and betrayal can have on innocent individuals caught in the crossfire.
Enter QUEEN MARGARET
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS OF YORK
Sitting down by her
Exit
Enter KING RICHARD III, marching, with drums and trumpets
Exit
Exit
Exit
Enter a Messenger
Enter another Messenger
Enter another Messenger
Enter another Messenger
Re-enter CATESBY
Flourish. Exeunt
SCENE V. Lord Derby's house.
Scene 5 of Act 4 is a pivotal moment in the play, as it marks the climax of the plot and sets the stage for the final act. In this scene, we see the two opposing armies preparing for battle, with Richard III leading the Yorkists and Henry Tudor leading the Lancastrians.
Richard is confident of victory, despite having a smaller army, and delivers a rousing speech to his troops, urging them to fight for their rightful king. He also orders the execution of his own brother, the Duke of Clarence, who he sees as a potential threat to his throne.
Meanwhile, Henry Tudor is also rallying his troops, with the help of a mysterious prophet who predicts victory for the Lancastrians. Henry is determined to defeat Richard and end the Wars of the Roses once and for all.
The two armies clash in a fierce battle, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Richard fights bravely but is ultimately defeated and killed by Henry, who is crowned King Henry VII. The play ends with Henry promising to bring peace and prosperity to England, while Richard's ghost laments his own downfall.
Enter DERBY and SIR CHRISTOPHER URSWICK
Exeunt
Act V
Act 5 of Richard III follows the final battle between Richard, the king, and Henry Tudor, who leads the opposing army. The battle takes place in Bosworth Field and is a bloody affair, with both sides suffering significant losses. Ultimately, Richard is killed in battle, and his army is defeated.
Before the battle, Richard has a dream in which he sees the ghosts of those he has murdered, including his brother and two young princes. The ghosts curse him and tell him that he will die in the battle. Richard tries to shake off the dream and rallies his troops for the fight.
During the battle, Richard kills Henry's standard-bearer and comes close to killing Henry himself. However, he is eventually surrounded by Henry's troops and killed. As he dies, he speaks the famous line, "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse," expressing his desperation to escape and his regret for his actions.
After Richard's death, Henry is declared the winner and becomes king. He promises to rule with justice and mercy, and the play ends on a hopeful note.
SCENE I. Salisbury. An open place.
Scene 1 of Act 5 is set in a field near the town of Bosworth. The armies of Richard III and Henry Tudor (who later became King Henry VII) face each other on opposite sides of the field. Richard is confident that he will win the battle, as he believes he has the support of the Duke of Norfolk and Lord Stanley. He also sends a spy to Lord Stanley's camp to ensure his loyalty.
As the battle begins, both sides exchange insults and Richard kills the Duke of Norfolk, which shocks his troops. Lord Stanley, who had promised to support Richard, instead switches sides and joins Henry Tudor's army. Richard is left with a small group of loyal soldiers.
Richard then confronts Henry Tudor in battle and they engage in a fierce fight. Richard initially gains the upper hand, but is eventually defeated and killed. As he dies, he cries out in despair and regret for the evil deeds he has committed throughout his life.
With Richard's death, Henry Tudor becomes the new King of England and is crowned as Henry VII. The play ends with the new king promising to bring peace and prosperity to England.
Enter the Sheriff, and BUCKINGHAM, with halberds, led to execution
Exeunt
SCENE II. The camp near Tamworth.
Scene 2 of Act 5 features two armies - the forces of King Richard III and those of Henry Tudor - preparing to engage in battle near Bosworth Field. Richard, who is anxious about the upcoming battle, speaks with his loyal ally, the Duke of Norfolk. The Duke assures Richard that his army is ready to fight and that they will emerge victorious.
As the armies prepare to engage, Richard delivers a rousing speech to his soldiers, urging them to fight with courage and bravery. However, his words are met with little enthusiasm from his troops, who are clearly disheartened and fearful of the impending battle.
On the other side of the battlefield, Henry Tudor, accompanied by his uncle Jasper and other loyal supporters, also delivers a speech to his troops. He reminds them of the oppression they have suffered under Richard's rule and urges them to fight for their freedom and for a better future under his leadership.
The battle begins, and the two armies clash in a fierce and bloody fight. Richard fights valiantly, but his army is eventually defeated, and he is killed in the battle. Henry Tudor emerges victorious and is crowned King Henry VII, bringing an end to the War of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
Enter RICHMOND, OXFORD, BLUNT, HERBERT, and others, with drum and colours
Exeunt
SCENE III. Bosworth Field.
Scene 3 of Act 5 begins with the two armies preparing to do battle. King Richard III is confident that he will emerge victorious and orders his commanders to lead their troops into battle. However, he soon realizes that his troops are deserting him and defecting to the side of Henry Tudor, his enemy.
As the battle rages on, Richard finds himself alone and surrounded by enemies. He fights bravely but is eventually overwhelmed and killed. Henry Tudor emerges victorious and is crowned King Henry VII.
Throughout the scene, there is a sense of tension and drama as both sides prepare for the final showdown. Richard's arrogance and overconfidence are contrasted with Henry's determination and strategic thinking. The battle itself is chaotic and brutal, with soldiers fighting to the death for their respective causes.
Overall, Scene 3 of Act 5 is a climactic moment in the play, marking the end of Richard's reign and the beginning of a new era for England. It is a powerful and emotional scene that captures the tragedy and violence of war, as well as the triumph of good over evil.
Enter KING RICHARD III in arms, with NORFOLK, SURREY, and others
Exeunt
Enter, on the other side of the field, RICHMOND, Sir William Brandon, OXFORD, and others. Some of the Soldiers pitch RICHMOND's tent
They withdraw into the tent
Enter, to his tent, KING RICHARD III, NORFOLK, RATCLIFF, CATESBY, and others
Exit
Exeunt RATCLIFF and the other Attendants
Enter DERBY to RICHMOND in his tent, Lords and others attending
Sleeps
Enter the Ghost of Prince Edward, son to King Henry VI
Enter the Ghost of King Henry VI
Enter the Ghost of CLARENCE
Enter the Ghosts of RIVERS, GRAY, and VAUGHAN
Enter the Ghost of HASTINGS
Enter the Ghosts of the two young Princes
Enter the Ghost of LADY ANNE
Enter the Ghost of BUCKINGHAM
The Ghosts vanish
KING RICHARD III starts out of his dream
Enter RATCLIFF
Exeunt
Enter the Lords to RICHMOND, sitting in his tent
Exeunt
Re-enter KING RICHARD, RATCLIFF, Attendants and Forces
Enter NORFOLK
He sheweth him a paper
Exeunt
SCENE IV. Another part of the field.
Scene 4 of Act 5 is set on the battlefield where King Richard III has been slain. The scene begins with the entrance of Richmond, the victor of the battle, who is accompanied by his supporters and soldiers. Richmond surveys the bloody aftermath of the battle and takes note of the dead bodies of his enemies, including Richard.
He orders his men to remove Richard's body and lay it down, while he gives a speech about the victory and the future of England under his rule. He praises his army and thanks his supporters for their loyalty and bravery. He also promises to bring peace and prosperity to the country, and to be a just and fair ruler.
As he finishes his speech, he notices the ghostly apparitions of the people Richard has wronged, including Buckingham, Hastings, and the young princes. They curse Richard and demand justice for their deaths. Richmond is troubled by the sight and orders his men to remove the bodies of the dead and to prepare for his coronation.
The scene ends with Richmond reflecting on the past and the future, and expressing hope for a better tomorrow for England.
Alarum: excursions. Enter NORFOLK and forces fighting; to him CATESBY
Alarums. Enter KING RICHARD III
Exeunt
SCENE V. Another part of the field.
Scene 5 of Act 5 is a dramatic and climactic scene in which two armies face each other on the battlefield. The main character, a ruthless and power-hungry king, is finally defeated and killed by his enemies.
The scene begins with the king, surrounded by his loyal soldiers, preparing for battle. He is confident in his abilities and determined to win, despite the odds against him. However, as the battle begins, it quickly becomes clear that his enemies are better equipped and more skilled, and they begin to gain the upper hand.
The king becomes increasingly desperate and paranoid, accusing his own soldiers of betraying him and abandoning him on the battlefield. He is eventually left alone, facing his enemies with only a few loyal followers by his side.
In a climactic moment, the king is confronted by his enemy, who challenges him to a one-on-one battle. Despite his bravado and confidence, the king is defeated and killed, bringing an end to his reign of tyranny and violence.
The scene is filled with tension, drama, and action, as the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. It is a fitting conclusion to a play that explores themes of power, ambition, and the corrupting influence of absolute authority.
Alarum. Enter KING RICHARD III and RICHMOND; they fight. KING RICHARD III is slain. Retreat and flourish. Re-enter RICHMOND, DERBY bearing the crown, with divers other Lords
Exeunt