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    Richard III

    history

    Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most gripping history plays, built around one of his greatest villains. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, wants the crown, and he murders, lies and charms his way toward it, telling the audience exactly what he is doing at every step. He kills his own brother, his rivals, and finally the two young princes who stand in his way. Once he is king, his support collapses, and he is hunted down and killed at the Battle of Bosworth.

    ▸SCENE I. London. A street.▸SCENE II. The same. Another street.▸SCENE III. The palace.▸SCENE IV. London. The Tower.

    ▸SCENE I. London. The palace.▸SCENE II. The palace.▸SCENE III. London. A street.▸SCENE IV. London. The palace.

    ▸SCENE I. London. A street.▸SCENE II. Before Lord Hastings' house.▸SCENE III. Pomfret Castle.▸SCENE IV. The Tower of London.▸SCENE V. The Tower-walls.▸SCENE VI. The same.▸SCENE VII. Baynard's Castle.

    ▸SCENE I. Before the Tower.▸SCENE II. London. The palace.▸SCENE III. The same.▸SCENE IV. Before the palace.▸SCENE V. Lord Derby's house.

    ▸SCENE I. Salisbury. An open place.▸SCENE II. The camp near Tamworth.▸SCENE III. Bosworth Field.▸SCENE IV. Another part of the field.▸SCENE V. Another part of the field.

    Characters

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    Richard IIIDuke of Gloucester, later King of EnglandLady AnneWidow of Edward of Westminster, later Richard's wifeBuckinghamRichard's chief political allyQueen MargaretWidow of Henry VI, former Queen of England

    Famous Quotes

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    “Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York.”

    Richard (Gloucester) — Act 1, Scene 1

    “I am determined to prove a villain And hate the idle pleasures of these days.”

    Richard (Gloucester) — Act 1, Scene 1

    “I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph.”

    Richard (Gloucester) — Act 1, Scene 1

    Further Reading

    What Type of Plays Did Shakespeare Write?

    Shakespeare's plays fall into three iconic genres: tragedies, comedies and histories. Learn what defines each type, with examples from Hamlet to Twelfth Night, plus the clever flag system the Globe Theatre used to advertise them.

    Top 10 Shakespearean Insults: Shakespearean Insults Generator, & Quiz

    Discover Shakespeare's most savage insults, try our Shakespearean Insults Generator, and test your knowledge with the Shakespearean Insults Quiz.

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