Richard III (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: William Shakespeare
- First Published: 1597
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Historical
- Time of Work: Fifteenth century
- Setting: England
- Genres: Drama, History play, Tragedy
- Subjects: Murder or homicide, Marriage, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Brothers, England or English people, Violence, Kings, queens, or royalty, Fifteenth century
- Locales: England
Characters Discussed
Richard, the duke of Gloucester, afterward King Richard III, the sinister and Machiavellian brother of King Edward IV. A fiendish and ambitious monster, he shows the grisly humor of the medieval Devil or the Vice of the morality plays. An effective hypocrite, he successfully dissembles his ambition and his ruthlessness until he has won his kingdom. His character in this play is consistent with that established in King Henry VI. The role furnishes great opportunities for an acting virtuoso and has long been a favorite with great actors.
King...
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See Also:
William Shakespeare (Censorship--Ready Reference series)William Shakespeare (Cyclopedia of World Authors)William Shakespeare: The Poet (Poetry)William Shakespeare: The Dramatist (Magill’s Choice: Shakespeare)William Shakespeare: The Man (Magill’s Choice: Shakespeare)
See Also:
- - Read the Richard III text online.
- - For teachers, the Richard III Lesson Plan.
- - Richard III summary and study guide in the eNotes.
- Add Richard III to your favorites