Jul 26, 2008

Richard III | Duchess of York (Character Analysis)

She is the mother of King Edward IV; George, duke of Clarence; and Richard, duke of Gloucester. She grieves for the death of King Edward and the murder of Clarence as well as for the murder of her two grandsons. Ultimately, she curses Richard for his wickedness.

During most of the play, the duchess behaves as a relatively powerless member of the royal family—she reacts to rather than causes the events going on around her. On her first appearance, for example, she mourns the duke of Clarence's death and acknowledges Richard's responsibility for his murder, but the most she can...