Richard III by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Richard III

Cast of Doomed Characters

-Richard, duke of gloucester (main character).

-King Edward IV, Richard's brother.

-george duke of clarence, also richard's brother.

-lady anne, the late henry VI's daughter.

-queen elizabeth, Edward's wife, sons

[Prince Edward and richard duke of york]

-Duchess of york, richard, king edward, and clarence's mother.

-Queen margaret, widow of KIng Henry VI.

-Duke Buckingham, Richard's right hand man.

- Lord Hastings and lord stanley, noblemen.

Before the Play Begins...

Richard had murdered King Henry VI and several other noblemen. Just a heads up.

Henry VI

ACT I

Through his famous "Now is the winter of our discontent..." speech Richard tells the audience he intends to be the villain because of his hunchedback. He also reveals his triumphant plan to become king through killing off all of the heirs to the throne starting with his own brothers.

Clarence, Richard's brother, is escorted to prison instigated by Richard.

Richard's other brother, King Edward IV, is on his deathbed, so he is almost out of the way. Richard also intends to marry Lady Anne of whom he hypnotises with his words to fall in love with him.

Former Queen Margaret curses all noblemen in sight for her woes and warns Buckingham of Richard. Richard hires two murderers to kill his brother Clarence, who are successful at the end of the act.

Act II

King Edward hears of the disputes between noblemen and orders reconciliation. When King Edward dies, Buckingham and Richard are sent to London to escort the Prince of Wales to the thrown. They conspire to keep him away from the crown.

Through hearing some of her friends are imprisoned by Richard, Queen Elizabeth and her son, the Duke of York, go to the sanctuary for prayer.

Sons of Queen Elizabeth

Heirs to the throne.

Act III

The Prince and his brother, the Duke of York, are told they are to stay in the Tower of London, only to be imprisoned there. The Queen's allies, Rivers, Grey, Vaughan, and Hastings are all kind through Richard.

Now that almost all of the important people are out of the way, Buckingham tries to convince the Mayor to crown Richard as king. Richard pretends to be a pious, humble man in refusing the offer, but accepts the crown in the end.

The Tower of London

Act IV

Once king, Lady Anne is crowned Queen against her will.

When Richard desires to kill the princes in the Tower, Buckingham hesitates and angers Richard. Richard hires Tyrell to do the deed.

Buckingham, wanting his earldom as he was promised, asks for his share in the crown but is turned down by Richard. Buckingham plans to leave Richard.

Once the princes are murdered and Lady Anne "deathly ill" or killed, Richard sets his eyes on Queen Elizabeth's daughter. He tries to convince the former queen that her family would be royal again. He recieves word that a fleet intends to invade the country and Richard panics. Buckingham is now fighting against him.

Lady Anne

Act V

Buckingham is seized and is sent to execution.

During the night, spirits of people Richard had murdered haunt him and the commander of the rebels, Richmond. They wish Richard to die and defeat, whereas they say they will help Richmond in battle. This puts confindence in Richmond, but doubt in Richard.

During the epic battle, Richard offers his kingdom "For a horse!".

Richmond faces off with Richard and kills him.

Richmond is offered the crown and promotes peace in England.

Now richard III did actually exist, but was deffinitely not as blood thirsty as this Character. The real richard III did not rule long and was pretty boring.

This richard III is said to be one of literature's greatest villains. Well, I believe it. Can't you tell??

the great laurence olivier as richard III.

Simply Fantastic.

Funny baby

Kristin Chenoweth should have played queen elizabeth!

THE END.