Characters
King Richard II
King Richard II, grandson of King Edward III, embodies a ruler whose self-indulgence and negligence towards his kingdom precipitate his downfall. His insolent behavior towards his uncle, John of Gaunt, and his greed in seizing the property of his exiled cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, reflect a deeply flawed character. Despite these faults, Richard harbors a sentimental devotion to his young queen. When compelled to abdicate, he wallows in poetic self-pity, comparing his plight to that of Christ. Although his reign is marked by irresponsibility, Richard ultimately faces his end with a measure of dignity. In prison, cut off from the world, he grapples with his reduced status, likening himself to a "beast of burden." His assassination by Sir Pierce of Exton, who misinterprets King Henry IV's words, concludes his tumultuous life.
Henry Bolingbroke
Henry Bolingbroke, who ascends as King Henry IV, is the resourceful and ambitious son of John of Gaunt. Initially the Duke of Hereford, Bolingbroke is a pivotal player motivated by his cousin Richard II’s mismanagement to ultimately force the latter's abdication. Despite his initial desire for Richard's death, he mourns it and banishes Exton, the murderer. His ascent to power is marked by strategic alliances and political acumen, aided by figures such as the Earl of Northumberland, Hotspur, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby. Bolingbroke's adept navigation of political landscapes and his ambition fuel his rise to the throne.
John of Gaunt
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, is King Richard’s uncle and Henry Bolingbroke’s father. A patriot at heart, he is deeply disturbed by the banishment of his son and the deteriorating state of England under Richard's rule. Gaunt's passionate speech lauding England and condemning Richard's governance captures his love for his country. His prophetic curse on Richard portends the king's downfall, revealing Gaunt's foresight and deep-seated patriotism. Despite knowing the king’s role in his brother Gloucester's murder, Gaunt refrains from revenge, attributing it to the will of the sovereign.
Edmund of Langley
Edmund of Langley, the Duke of York, is the uncle to both Richard and Bolingbroke. His loyalty to the realm is tested by the conflicting duties of serving the king and witnessing Bolingbroke’s rebellion. Acting as the realm's protector during Richard's absence, York finds himself helpless against Bolingbroke's rising power. Ultimately, he transfers his allegiance to Bolingbroke when he becomes King Henry IV, reflecting the tension between duty and familial loyalty.
Queen Isabel
Queen Isabel, Richard’s second wife, is portrayed as a gentle and loving partner. Her profound grief over Richard’s downfall reveals her deep devotion. Upon hearing of Richard's deposition from the gardener, her sorrow leads her to curse him. Her poignant farewell with Richard enhances the tragic dimensions of his fall from power and offers a personal glimpse into his emotional life.
The Gardener
The gardener in "Richard II" serves as a philosophical observer, using metaphor to comment on the kingdom's governance. In a renowned scene, he and his assistant compare England to a neglected garden overcome by weeds, symbolizing poor advisers like Bushy, Bagot, and Green. The gardener’s musings, overheard by the queen, underscore the play’s themes of decay and mismanagement at the heart of Richard's court.
The Duke of Aumerle
The Duke of Aumerle, son of the Duke of York, is a favorite of Richard and scornful of Bolingbroke. Accused of involvement in Gloucester's murder, Aumerle is embroiled in a plot against King Henry IV. His father discovers this plot, but Aumerle is pardoned after his mother, the Duchess of York, fervently pleads for his life before Bolingbroke. This family drama unfolds against the backdrop of political upheaval.
(This entire section contains 1478 words.)
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The Duke of Aumerle, son of the Duke of York, is a favorite of Richard and scornful of Bolingbroke. Accused of involvement in Gloucester's murder, Aumerle is embroiled in a plot against King Henry IV. His father discovers this plot, but Aumerle is pardoned after his mother, the Duchess of York, fervently pleads for his life before Bolingbroke. This family drama unfolds against the backdrop of political upheaval.
The Duchess of York
The Duchess of York, Aumerle’s mother, is determined to protect her son from the consequences of his treason. Her passionate advocacy, including pleading on her knees before King Henry, adds a layer of familial loyalty and maternal devotion. Her actions inject a note of comic relief into the play's dramatic tension, transforming a political crisis into a personal plea.
Thomas Mowbray
Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, is an adversary of Bolingbroke. Accused of plotting Gloucester's death, Mowbray faces Bolingbroke in a trial by combat, which Richard interrupts, leading to Mowbray's exile. Mowbray’s death in exile highlights the arbitrary nature of Richard’s decrees and the tragic consequences of his rule.
The Duchess of Gloucester
The Duchess of Gloucester, widow to the murdered Thomas Woodstock, seeks vengeance for her husband’s death from her brother-in-law John of Gaunt. Her grief is palpable, and her desire for retribution is fervently expressed. She hopes for Bolingbroke's triumph over Mowbray as justice for her husband's murder. Her death concludes her sorrowful pursuit of justice.
Bushy, Green, and Bagot
Bushy, Green, and Bagot are notorious courtiers and favorites of King Richard, perceived as parasites who amplify his worst tendencies. While Bushy and Green face capture and execution at the hands of Bolingbroke’s forces, Bagot survives, accusing Aumerle of Gloucester’s murder. Bagot remains a figure of intrigue and corruption in Richard’s court, emblematic of the misrule.
The Earl of Northumberland
The Earl of Northumberland is a staunch ally of Bolingbroke and plays a vital role in Richard's overthrow. His alliance with Bolingbroke is strategic, positioning him as a crucial figure in the power shift. His son, Henry Percy, known as Hotspur, joins him, reinforcing their family’s political influence and adding to the momentum behind Bolingbroke.
Henry Percy (Hotspur)
Henry Percy, alias Hotspur, son of Northumberland, emerges as an important character in the sequel "Henry IV, Part One," where he opposes King Henry and his heir. In "Richard II," his role is limited, yet he challenges Aumerle at Bagot’s trial. However, the confrontation does not escalate, reflecting the unresolved tensions of the time.
The Lord Marshall
The Lord Marshall presides over the attempted duel between Mowbray and Bolingbroke, emphasizing the ritualistic nature of trial by combat. When Richard cancels the duel and exiles both participants, the Marshall expresses a desire to accompany Bolingbroke, signaling respect for his status and character.
The Bishop of Carlisle
A steadfast supporter of King Richard, the Bishop of Carlisle vocalizes his opposition to Bolingbroke's usurpation of the throne. Predicting civil unrest following Richard's deposition, he faces charges of treason. Though involved in a conspiracy with the Abbot of Westminster and Aumerle against Henry IV, he is treated leniently by the new king, respected for his honorable resistance.
The Abbot of Westminster
The Abbot of Westminster conspires against King Henry IV alongside Carlisle and Aumerle. Present at Richard's deposition, the plotter dies before facing trial, with his demise attributed to guilt. His involvement underscores the broader resistance to Henry's rise among Richard's loyalists.
Sir Stephen Scroop
Sir Stephen Scroop, a devoted follower of King Richard, is tasked with delivering unfavorable news regarding Bolingbroke’s advances. His reports exacerbate the king’s despair and play a part in Richard’s decision to dismiss his forces, reflecting the shifting political allegiances.
A Keeper
The Keeper in Pomfret Castle incurs Richard's wrath when attempting to poison him under Exton's orders. Richard’s violent reaction towards the Keeper symbolizes his frustration and powerlessness, encapsulating his diminished status.
A Groom
A Groom, formerly responsible for Richard’s horses, visits the fallen king in prison. He recounts how Henry IV rode Richard’s favorite horse during his coronation, a poignant reminder of the complete transfer of power that deepens Richard’s despair.
The Earl of Salisbury
The Earl of Salisbury, a loyal adherent of Richard, endeavors to rally Welsh forces for the king's cause but fails to retain their support. His loyalty to Richard culminates in his execution on Northumberland's orders, exemplifying the tragic fates of the king’s steadfast supporters.
The Duke of Surrey
The Duke of Surrey, a Yorkist nobleman and friend to Aumerle, defends him against Lord Fitzwater’s accusations of complicity in Gloucester’s murder. Surrey's role embodies the continuous conflicts and suspicions that permeate the court.
Lord Berkeley
Lord Berkeley, serving the Duke of York, confronts Bolingbroke’s defiance of his exile. By invoking Bolingbroke's former title, Berkeley incites Bolingbroke's anger, highlighting the tensions surrounding his return and the contested legitimacy of his new authority.
Lord Fitzwater, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby
Lord Fitzwater, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby are staunch allies of Bolingbroke. Fitzwater accuses Aumerle of Gloucester’s murder, while Ross and Willoughby collaborate with Northumberland in supporting Bolingbroke's claim. Their loyalty and fears of losing their estates to Richard’s favorites reflect the nobility’s discontent with Richard's rule.
Sir Pierce of Exton
Sir Pierce of Exton, a knight seeking favor under King Henry IV, assassinates Richard under the mistaken belief of fulfilling the king's wishes. Exton’s deed, intended to secure his own advancement, results in his banishment as Henry denounces the act as a "deed of slander."
