Richard III is laced with a consistent thread of comedy. Given that the play primarily revolves around betrayal and revenge, the humor is fittingly dark, featuring elements of dramatic irony and parody. Some of the comedic moments arise from Richard's self-mockery, but a significant portion stems from his derision of the misguided trust others have in him.

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience comprehends the true meaning behind a character's words or actions, while the character or those around them remain oblivious. For instance, when Richard offers sympathetic remarks to his brother Clarence as he is being led to prison (Act I, Scene i), it results in dramatic irony since we are aware from the outset that Richard orchestrated Clarence's imprisonment. Another example of dramatic irony is found in Act III, Scene ii, when Catesby proposes that Richard should be crowned king instead of the Prince of Wales, and Hastings boldly asserts: "I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders/ Before I'll see the crown so foul misplac'd." We already know from Richard's earlier conversation with Buckingham that Hastings will indeed lose his head if he defies Richard. These moments are crafted to elicit a smile—albeit a grim one—at Richard's cunning and the gullibility of his victims.

Parody involves the use of exaggerated imitation to mock something intended to be serious. Richard satirizes both himself and Anne by mimicking a vain lover in Act I, Scene ii, after Anne—against all odds—accepts his ring: "I'll be at charges for a looking-glass,/ And entertain a score or two of tailors/ To study fashions to adorn my body." The humor partly arises from Richard's capacity to laugh at himself.

Richard's most successful parody unfolds when he deceives the citizens of London into petitioning him to become their king. By impersonating a holy man (which he certainly is not) and feigning reluctance to accept the crown, Richard effectively secures the power he desires.