Characters
King Richard II
King Richard II, the grandson of King Edward III, is portrayed as a self-indulgent and irresponsible ruler, whose negligence towards his kingdom ultimately leads to his downfall. He demonstrates insolence in his treatment of his uncle, John of Gaunt, and greed in seizing the property of his banished cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. Despite his flaws, he displays sentimental devotion to his young queen. When compelled to abdicate, Richard succumbs to poetic self-pity, likening his suffering to that of Christ. Although his reign is marked by irresponsibility, he meets his end with a semblance of dignity. In prison, Richard is isolated, and during an altercation with his keeper, he laments his fate as a king now reduced to a beast of burden. Eventually, he is assassinated by Sir Pierce of Exton, who misinterprets King Henry IV's wish for Richard's death.
Henry Bolingbroke
Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV, is the duke of Hereford and John of Gaunt’s son. A capable and ambitious figure, he is driven by Richard’s mismanagement to force his abdication. Although he desires Richard’s death, he laments it and banishes the murderer Exton. Bolingbroke, who inherits the title duke of Lancaster upon his father’s death, is instrumental in Richard’s overthrow, being supported by loyal allies such as the earl of Northumberland, Hotspur, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby. His rise to power is marked by his strategic alliances and political acumen.
John of Gaunt
John of Gaunt, the duke of Lancaster, is King Richard’s uncle and the father of Henry Bolingbroke. Loyal to his country, he is deeply troubled by his son’s banishment and the declining state of England under Richard’s rule. Before his death, Gaunt delivers a passionate speech praising England, lamenting its degradation, and condemning Richard’s governance. His deathbed curse on Richard foretells the king’s eventual downfall. Gaunt’s patriotic fervor and familial loyalty underscore his character, though he refrains from seeking revenge for the murder of his brother, Gloucester, attributing the act to the king’s command.
Edmund of Langley
Edmund of Langley, the duke of York, is the uncle to both Richard and Bolingbroke. A man of loyalty and patriotism, he struggles with the conflicting roles of serving the king and witnessing Bolingbroke’s rebellion. As the protector of the realm during Richard’s absence, York finds himself powerless against Bolingbroke’s might. Ultimately, he shifts his loyalty to Bolingbroke when he becomes King Henry IV. York’s internal conflict highlights the tension between duty and familial loyalty.
Queen to King Richard
Queen Isabel, Richard’s second wife, is depicted as a gentle and loving partner. Her grief over Richard’s downfall is profound, leading her to curse the gardener upon hearing the news of Richard’s deposition. She shares a sorrowful parting with her husband, and her presence in the play foreshadows Richard’s fate. Her perspective offers insight into Richard’s nature and the emotional toll of his political demise.
The Gardener
The gardener in "Richard II" acts as a homely philosopher, commenting on the king's flaws and foretelling his downfall. In the famous garden scene, he and his assistant discuss governance, likening England to a neglected garden overrun by weeds, symbolizing poor advisers like Bushy, Bagot, and Green. Overheard by the queen, the gardener's reflections underscore the play's thematic focus on political decay and mismanagement.
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 conspiring in Gloucester’s murder, his father discovers his involvement in a plot against King Henry IV. However, Aumerle gains a promise of pardon by reaching the king before York can reveal...
(This entire section contains 1540 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
his treachery. His mother, the duchess of York, passionately pleads for his life, showcasing the family’s dynamic amid political turmoil.
The Duchess of York
The duchess of York, mother of Aumerle, displays her desperation to protect her son from the consequences of treason. Her fierce advocacy, even to the point of pleading on her knees before King Henry, adds a layer of familial loyalty and maternal devotion to the play’s political narrative. Her involvement provides comic relief amidst the tense political drama, as her efforts turn a deadly political crisis into a familial affair.
Thomas Mowbray
Thomas Mowbray, the duke of Norfolk, stands as an enemy of Bolingbroke and is accused of plotting Gloucester’s death. Prepared for a trial by combat against Bolingbroke, he is instead exiled by Richard’s decree. Mowbray dies in exile, his downfall a casualty of Richard’s capricious rule.
The Duchess of Gloucester
The duchess of Gloucester, widow of the murdered Thomas Woodstock, pleads with her brother-in-law John of Gaunt to avenge her husband’s death. Her grief is profound, and her desire for retribution is reflected in her prayers for Bolingbroke’s success against Mowbray. Her death is eventually announced, marking an end to her sorrowful quest for vengeance.
Bushy, Green, and Bagot
Bushy, Green, and Bagot are unpopular favorites of King Richard, often seen as parasites who exacerbate his worst traits. Bushy and Green are captured and executed by Bolingbroke’s forces, who view them as corrupt influences. Bagot survives to accuse Aumerle of conspiring in Gloucester’s murder, escaping the fate of his counterparts but remaining a figure of courtly intrigue and corruption in Richard’s reign.
The Earl of Northumberland
The earl of Northumberland is a staunch supporter of Bolingbroke and plays a crucial role in the overthrow of Richard. His alliance with Bolingbroke is strategic, positioning him as a key player in the shift of power. His son, Henry Percy (Hotspur), joins him in support of Bolingbroke, further solidifying their family's political influence.
Henry Percy (Hotspur)
Henry Percy, known as Hotspur, is the son of Northumberland. Though his role in "Richard II" is limited, he later becomes a notable figure in "Henry IV, Part One," opposing King Henry and his heir. In this play, he challenges Aumerle at Bagot’s trial, though the confrontation remains unresolved.
The Lord Marshall
The Lord Marshall presides over the intended duel between Mowbray and Bolingbroke, a position that underscores the ritualistic nature of trial by combat. When Richard cancels the duel and exiles the participants, the Marshall expresses a desire to accompany Bolingbroke, indicating his respect for the banished nobleman.
The Bishop of Carlisle
A steadfast supporter of King Richard, the bishop of Carlisle objects to Bolingbroke's usurpation of the throne. Accused of treason, he predicts civil unrest as a consequence of Richard's deposition. Although he conspires with the abbot of Westminster and Aumerle against Henry IV, he is treated leniently by the new king, who respects him as an honorable adversary.
The Abbot of Westminster
The abbot of Westminster, a conspirator against King Henry IV, participates in a plot alongside Carlisle and Aumerle. Present at Richard’s deposition, he dies before facing trial, his demise attributed to a guilty conscience, as reported by Hotspur.
Sir Stephen Scroop
Sir Stephen Scroop is a loyal follower of King Richard, tasked with delivering unwelcome news of Bolingbroke’s advances and the shifting loyalties of Richard’s supporters. His reports contribute to the king's growing despair and his eventual decision to dismiss his troops.
A Keeper
A keeper in Pomfret Castle, where Richard is imprisoned, incurs the wrath of the former king by attempting to poison him on orders from Sir Pierce of Exton. Richard’s violent reaction against the keeper reflects his frustration and diminished power.
A Groom
A groom, once responsible for tending to Richard’s horses, visits the deposed king in prison. He recounts how Henry IV rode Richard’s favorite horse during his coronation, a gesture symbolizing the complete transfer of power and further deepening Richard’s sense of loss.
The Earl of Salisbury
The earl of Salisbury, a loyal supporter of Richard, attempts to rally Welsh forces to the king's cause. However, he fails to prevent the desertion of these troops, signaling the inevitability of Richard’s downfall. Salisbury's loyalty ultimately leads to his execution by Northumberland's orders.
The Duke of Surrey
A Yorkist nobleman and friend to Aumerle, the duke of Surrey defends him against Lord Fitzwater’s accusations of complicity in Gloucester’s murder. His involvement epitomizes the ongoing conflicts and accusations that permeate the court.
Lord Berkeley
Lord Berkeley serves the duke of York, challenging Bolingbroke’s defiance of his banishment. Berkeley's use of Bolingbroke's previous title rather than acknowledging his new status infuriates Bolingbroke, highlighting the tensions surrounding his return to England.
Lord Fitzwater, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby
Lord Fitzwater, Lord Ross, and Lord Willoughby are staunch supporters of Bolingbroke. Fitzwater accuses Aumerle of Gloucester’s murder, while Ross and Willoughby join Northumberland in conspiring for Bolingbroke’s return to England. Their loyalty and concerns over losing their holdings to Richard’s favorites underscore the nobility’s discontent.
Sir Pierce of Exton
Sir Pierce of Exton, a knight aspiring for favor under King Henry IV, assassins Richard under the false belief of fulfilling the new king’s desires. Exton’s actions lead to his banishment, as Henry condemns him for the king’s murder, which he sees as a "deed of slander."
