Richard

Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, later crowned King Richard III, is depicted as a Machiavellian and sinister figure, embodying the grisly humor of the medieval Devil or Vice from morality plays. He is a fiendish and ambitious monster whose hypocrisy allows him to effectively disguise his ruthless ambition until he seizes the throne. Richard’s portrayal in this play is consistent with his character in King Henry VI. This role is a favorite among actors due to the opportunities it offers for showcasing virtuosity. Additionally, Richard cunningly manipulates others, convincing his brother Clarence of his sympathy as he orchestrates his imprisonment. His deceit is so convincing that Clarence, even when faced with death at the hands of Richard's murderers, defends his brother’s supposed kindness.

King Edward IV

King Edward IV, the eldest son of the late Duke of York, is portrayed as an aging monarch burdened by a sin-ridden past and present remorse. Despite his efforts to reconcile the hostile factions at court, he is tricked by Richard into ordering Clarence's death, a decision he later regrets but cannot reverse. This grief over his brother’s execution hastens his own demise. Edward’s promiscuity and early entanglements with women are used by Richard to tarnish his reputation and question the legitimacy of his heirs, thereby positioning Richard as a more virtuous figure.

George

George, the Duke of Clarence, is the brother of Edward and Richard. He becomes entangled in treachery and perjury in his efforts to secure his brother Edward’s throne. Bewildered by his imprisonment and eventual death, he experiences haunting dreams fueled by guilt and fears being alone. Only at the moment of his murder does he realize that his seemingly virtuous brother Richard is to blame for his sufferings. Clarence’s death, orchestrated by Richard, is brutal and humiliating, emphasizing Richard’s deceitful nature and marking an early insight into his manipulative character.

Queen Margaret

Queen Margaret, the widow of the murdered King Henry VI, is a malevolent presence in the play. Her extensive curse, delivered near the beginning, serves as a blueprint for the ensuing events, as she condemns her enemies with prophetic accuracy.

The Duke of Buckingham

The Duke of Buckingham, a kinsman and staunch supporter of Richard, is a masterful politician instrumental in placing Richard on the throne. However, he hesitates to partake in the murder of the young princes, resulting in his loss of favor, a failed rebellion, capture, and execution. As he faces his end, he reflects on Queen Margaret's curses and prophecies, realizing the gravity of ignoring her warnings.

Edward, Prince of Wales

Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward V, is the elder son of King Edward IV. A bright and courageous boy, he evokes pathos through his behavior and premature, violent death at the hands of his uncle Richard.

Richard (Duke of York)

Richard, the Duke of York, is King Edward’s younger son. An impish and precocious child, he engages in witty exchanges with his ominous uncle Richard. Tragically, he and his brother meet their end in the Tower of London, victims of their uncle's ambition.

Henry Tudor

Henry Tudor, the Earl of Richmond, and later King Henry VII, emerges as Richard’s principal adversary. A heroic figure, he successfully invades England, defeating Richard in hand-to-hand combat at the Battle of Bosworth Field. His final speech promises the end of civil strife and the unification of the houses of York and Lancaster through his marriage to Elizabeth, King Edward IV’s daughter.

Lord Thomas Stanley

Lord Thomas Stanley, the Earl of Derby and Richmond’s stepfather, is skeptical of Richard from the outset. Although he feigns allegiance to Richard out of fear, his loyalty lies with Richmond. At the Battle of Bosworth Field, he risks his son George’s life, who is held hostage by Richard, by withholding his troops. George’s life is spared by Richard’s death.

Lord Hastings

Lord Hastings, the Lord Chamberlain under Edward IV, is a staunch loyalist to King Edward and his sons. Despite being an adversary to Queen Elizabeth and her kin, his loyalty prevents him from becoming Richard’s pawn in discrediting the young Edward V’s claim. Trusting Richard to a fault, Hastings meets his demise for his unwavering loyalty and trust in Edward.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth, King Edward IV’s wife, is portrayed as a proud and self-determined woman with numerous enemies at court, especially Hastings and Richard. After her sons’ murder, she becomes a grieving, nearly deranged mother. Her fear for her daughter’s safety compels her to feign consent to Richard’s proposal of marriage to her. However, this horrific union is averted by Richard’s death.

The Duchess of York

The Duchess of York, mother to Edward IV, Clarence, and Richard III, is a loving grandmother to Edward and Clarence’s children. Her deep-seated hatred and disdain for Richard culminate in a bitter curse as she sends him to his final battle, wishing for his ignominious death.

Cardinal Bourchier

Cardinal Bourchier, the Archbishop of Canterbury, aids Richard in gaining custody of the young Duke of York, facilitating his confinement in the Tower alongside his brother.

Thomas Rotherham

Thomas Rotherham, the Archbishop of York, attempts to guide Queen Elizabeth and the young Duke of York to sanctuary. However, his efforts are ultimately in vain.

John Morton

John Morton, the Bishop of Ely, offers King Richard strawberries from his garden, a gesture starkly contrasted by the subsequent arrest and execution of Hastings.

The Duke of Norfolk

The Duke of Norfolk, also known as Jockey of Norfolk, is a devoted follower of Richard III. Despite receiving a warning about Richard's betrayal, Norfolk remains loyal and perishes in battle.

Anthony Woodville

Anthony Woodville, the Earl Rivers and Queen Elizabeth’s brother, reconciles with his adversary Hastings at King Edward’s request. He is later arrested and executed on Richard’s orders.

The Marquess of Dorset

The Marquess of Dorset, Queen Elizabeth’s son from her first marriage, manages to escape Richard’s schemes and joins forces with Richmond.

Lord Grey

Lord Grey, another son of Queen Elizabeth from her first marriage, supports Edward, Prince of Wales, for the throne. This allegiance makes him a target for Richard, who orders Grey’s execution.

Sir Thomas Vaughan

Sir Thomas Vaughan is one of Richard’s victims, executed alongside Earl Rivers and Lord Grey.

Sir Thomas, Lord Lovel

Sir Thomas, Lord Lovel, is a courtier and ally of Richard. He participates in the council meeting that results in Lord Hastings' execution.

Sir Richard Ratcliff

Sir Richard Ratcliff, a staunch supporter of Richard, escorts Queen Elizabeth’s followers to their deaths and warns Richard of Richmond’s formidable approach.

Sir William Catesby

Sir William Catesby is another loyal confidant of Richard. He tries persuading Lord Hastings to support Richard’s claim and remains with Richard until he attempts to secure a horse for him during battle.

Sir James Tyrrel

Sir James Tyrrel, a discontented and ambitious man, facilitates the murder of the young princes in the Tower at Richard's behest. Later, Tyrrel is engulfed by remorse for his heinous act.

Sir Robert Brackenbury

Sir Robert Brackenbury, the Tower of London’s lieutenant, reluctantly hands over the keys to Clarence’s murderers and is killed at Bosworth Field.

The Keeper in the Tower

The Keeper, a compassionate figure in the Tower, strives to alleviate Clarence’s imprisonment.

Christopher Urswick

Christopher Urswick, a priest, serves as Lord Derby’s messenger to Richmond, informing him that Young George Stanley is held hostage by Richard.

The Lord Mayor of London

The Lord Mayor of London is manipulated by Richard and his cohort into supporting Richard’s ascension to the throne.

Edward Plantagenet

Edward Plantagenet, the Earl of Warwick, is Clarence’s young son.

Margaret Plantagenet

Margaret Plantagenet is Clarence’s young daughter.

The Earl of Surrey

The Earl of Surrey, the Duke of Norfolk’s son, remains loyal to King Richard’s army until the end.

The Earl of Oxford

The Earl of Oxford, John De Vere, joins Richmond’s rebellion against Richard.

The Sheriff of Wiltshire

The Sheriff of Wiltshire escorts Buckingham to his execution.

Tressel

Tressel and Berkeley attend Lady Anne during King Henry VI’s funeral procession. Although they have no speaking parts, their presence highlights the meager funeral services permitted for the late king.

Berkeley

Berkeley, alongside Tressel, serves Lady Anne during the funeral of King Henry VI.

Sir William Brandon

Sir William Brandon is a supporter of Richmond, appearing at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Sir James Blunt

Sir James Blunt, a noble supporter of Richmond, first appears as the two armies prepare for battle.

Sir Walter Herbert

Sir Walter Herbert, another supporter of Richmond, is seen as the armies advance toward Bosworth Field.

Ghosts of Richard’s Victims

The ghosts of Richard’s victims, including King Henry VI and his son Edward, Prince of Wales, appear before both Richard and Richmond. These specters instill uncharacteristic fear in Richard while providing Richmond with inspirational encouragement.

Aldermen
The aldermen, London officials ranked below the mayor, are deceived along with the mayor and citizens into requesting Richard's kingship in III.vii.

Archbishop of Canterbury (Cardinal Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Refer to Bourchier.

Archbishop of York (Thomas Rotherham, Archbishop of York)
Refer to Rotherham.

Attendants
In this play about political and familial conflicts, many scenes feature noble or royal retainers such as attendants, councillors, and soldiers, usually without speaking parts and referred to in stage directions as "others."

Berkeley
Berkeley and Tressel are two attendants with Lady Anne as she mourns King Henry VI’s demise. Although named, they remain voiceless, emphasizing the scant ceremonial recognition afforded to the deceased king.

Bishop of Ely (John Morton, Bishop of Ely)
Refer to Morton.

Bishops
In III.vii, Richard appears with a prayer book between two bishops, neither of whom speaks, as part of his ploy to seem virtuous and fit to rule.

Blunt (Sir James Blunt)
A noble and supporter of Richmond, Blunt is first seen as the armies head to battle in V.ii.

Bourchier (Cardinal Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury)
In III.i, though reluctant, Bourchier is persuaded by Buckingham to forcibly bring the young Duke of York from sanctuary under the guise of reuniting him with his brother, the Prince of Wales, but in truth, it's to imprison him.

Boy (Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, referred to as "Boy")
Refer to Plantagenet.

Brakenbury (Sir Robert Brackenbury)
As the Tower of London’s lieutenant, Brackenbury oversees its prison where Clarence and later Edward’s sons are held. He adheres strictly to orders, unwittingly facilitating Richard's schemes by preventing contact with the imprisoned Clarence and later, denying Queen Elizabeth access to her sons. His steadfastness is ultimately fatal, as he is killed at Bosworth Field.

Brandon (Sir William Brandon)
A supporter of Richmond, Brandon first appears at Richmond’s camp on Bosworth Field, listed among the deceased in V.v.

Cardinal Bourchier (Cardinal Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Refer to Bourchier.

Catesby (Sir William Catesby)
As one of Richard’s most loyal allies, Catesby is tasked in III.ii with gauging Hastings’ support for Richard’s coronation. He assists in deceiving the Lord Mayor and others into believing Richard deserves the crown. On the battlefield, he urges Richard to retreat to safety while seeking a replacement horse, but Richard dismisses his counsel, determined to fight on foot.

Citizens
In II.iii, three anonymous citizens express concern over England’s future following King Edward IV’s death and the young heir's vulnerability. Later, in III.vii, citizens join in urging Richard to accept the crown.

Clarence (George, Duke of Clarence)
Refer to George.

Councillors
The play’s intricate web of political and familial disputes is depicted through scenes populated by noble retainers such as councillors, attendants, and soldiers, often nameless and without dialogue.

Derby (Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby)
Refer to Stanley.

Dorset (Marquess of Dorset)
A son of Queen Elizabeth from a previous marriage, Dorset manages to evade Richard’s machinations by aligning with Richmond.

Edward (Prince Edward of Wales, afterwards King Edward V)
Refer to Edward, Prince of Wales.

Edward (King Edward IV of England)
Refer to King Edward IV.

Ely (John Morton, Bishop of Ely)
Refer to Morton.

Gentlemen
Scenes of royal and noble conflict feature a backdrop of gentlemen and other retainers, included in stage directions as "others," without speaking roles.

George (George, Duke of Clarence)
Refer to George.

Ghosts
On the eve of battle against Richmond, King Richard is haunted by ghosts of his victims, including King Henry VI and Edward, Prince of Wales. Each spirit curses Richard with impending doom, while bestowing blessings on Richmond.

Girl (Margaret Plantagenet, Countess of Salisbury, referred to as "Girl")
Refer to Margaret Plantagenet.

Gloucester (Richard, Duke of Gloucester, afterwards King Richard III)
Refer to Richard.

Grey (Lord Grey)
A supporter of Edward, Prince of Wales, Grey’s alignment with the rightful heir makes him a threat to Richard, leading to his imprisonment and execution.

Hastings (Lord Hastings)
Refer to Lord Hastings.

Hastings (a pursuivant)
An official tasked with executing warrants, who in his sole appearance, engages with Lord Hastings, emphasizing the latter’s ignorance of impending danger and his unwarranted optimism.

Henry (Henry, Earl of Richmond, afterwards King Henry VII of England)
Refer to Henry Tudor.

Herbert (Sir Walter Herbert)
Herbert is a supporter of Richmond, appearing as the forces converge on Bosworth Field.

Keeper in the Tower
Refer to The Keeper in the Tower.

Lords
Integral to the depiction of political tumult, many scenes feature unnamed lords and attendants engaged in the play’s intricate power struggles.

Lovel (Lord Lovel)
A courtier and supporter of Richard, present at the council where Hastings is accused of treason and executed.

Mayor (Lord Mayor of London)
Aligned with London’s citizens, the mayor is crucial to Richard’s ascent, deceived by Richard’s staged displays of legitimacy and thus endorsing his kingship.

Messengers
Throughout this drama of royal intrigue and civil war, messengers relay pivotal information, such as Queen Elizabeth’s kin’s imprisonment and Richmond’s strategic movements, signifying key plot developments.

Morton (John Morton, Bishop of Ely)
Part of the council discussing the prince's coronation date, he unwittingly enhances Richard’s ploy of false security, preceding Hastings' execution.

Murderers
Richard employs two murderers for Clarence’s assassination. The first commits the act, while the second repents, humorously contemplating conscience before the murder unfolds.

Norfolk (Duke of Norfolk)
A staunch supporter of King Richard, present at the council leading to Hastings’ execution, and counted among the fallen after Bosworth Field.

Oxford (Earl of Oxford)
A supporter of Richmond, Oxford’s presence is noted as the forces near the decisive battlefield.

Page
Following Buckingham’s hesitation to kill the princes, Richard consults an "unrespective" page, who suggests James Tyrrel for the task.

Plantagenet (Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, referred to as "Boy")
The young son of Clarence, referred to as "Boy," is manipulated by Richard, who falsely claims that King Edward IV was responsible for Clarence’s death.

Plantagenet (Margaret Plantagenet, Countess of Salisbury, referred to as "Girl")
Clarence’s daughter, referred to as "Girl," is married off to a commoner by Richard, aiming to solidify his throne claim.

Priest
Addressed as "Sir John" by Lord Hastings, the priest underscores Hastings’ obliviousness to his imminent peril, thanked for a recent sermon.

Ratcliffe (Sir Richard Ratcliffe)
A loyal supporter of Richard, Ratcliffe executes Queen Elizabeth's allies and later warns Richard of Richmond’s advancing threat, reassuring Richard on the eve of battle.

Richard (Richard, Duke of York)
Refer to Richard (Duke of York).

Richmond (Henry, Earl of Richmond, afterwards King Henry VII)
Refer to Henry Tudor.

Rivers (Earl Rivers)
Refer to Anthony Woodville.

Rotherham (Thomas Rotherham, Archbishop of York)
Refer to Thomas Rotherham.

Scrivener
He presents a fabricated document authorizing Hastings’ execution, reflecting the corruption prevailing under Richard's sway.

Sheriff of Wiltshire
Facilitates Buckingham’s execution, allowing Buckingham to express regret for his misguided support of Richard.

Soldiers
As a narrative rooted in political strife, the presence of soldiers, nameless and speechless, represents the undercurrents of war and allegiance.

Stanley (Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby)
Refer to Lord Thomas Stanley.

Surrey (Earl of Surrey)
A supporter of King Richard, Surrey’s loyalty is evident as he joins Richard’s forces at Bosworth Field.

Tressel
Refer to Tressel.

Tyrrel (Sir James Tyrrel)
Engaged by Richard to murder Edward IV’s heirs, Tyrrel is depicted as a discontented man whose ambitions make him amenable to Richard’s malevolent tasks.

Urswick (Christopher Urswick)
As a priest with Richmond, Urswick is dispatched by Stanley to convey crucial intelligence regarding political alliances and matrimonial propositions.

Vaughan (Sir Thomas Vaughan)
A staunch ally of Queen Elizabeth, Vaughan’s execution is orchestrated by Richard to eliminate resistance.

Woodvile (Anthony Woodvile, Earl Rivers)
Refer to Anthony Woodville.

York (Richard, Duke of York)
Refer to Richard (Duke of York).