Richard III Summary

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Here you will find a Richard III summary (William Shakespeare's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Richard III Summary Overview

Following a lengthy civil war, the York and Lancaster royal families find respite under the rule of King Edward IV. Yet, Edward's younger brother, Richard, harbors resentment towards Edward's authority and the contentment of those in his midst. Richard is plagued with bitterness, ambition, and a physical deformity he despises. He then starts harboring secret designs for the throne, planning to eliminate anyone obstructing his path to kingship. Using his astute intellect, Richard initiates his campaign, deceiving a noblewoman, Lady Anne, into matrimony, even though he is responsible for her former husband's death. He orchestrates the execution of his older brother, Clarence, and accelerates King Edward's illness, facilitating his demise. Following Edward's death, Richard seizes control, becoming England's lord protector, until Edward's eldest son comes of age. In his next move, Richard eliminates court nobles loyal to the young princes, including Lord Hastings, England's lord chamberlain. He arrests and executes the extended family of Edward's wife, Queen Elizabeth. Richard, with the help of his closest ally, Lord Buckingham, maneuvers to have himself crowned king, leaving Elizabeth and her sons unprotected. Richard confines the young princes in the Tower and, in his most brutal act, orders their assassination. Richard's reign of terror has instilled fear and hatred among the common folk and distanced nearly all the court's noblemen, including Buckingham. Rumors of a challenger amassing forces in France results in a mass defection of noblemen to his side. The challenger, Richmond, is part of the Lancaster lineage, and England is willing to accept him. In a desperate attempt to consolidate his power, Richard murders his wife, Queen Anne, intending to wed his niece, young Elizabeth, thus strengthening his claim to the throne. However, he begins losing his grip on power as Queen Elizabeth manages to outmaneuver him, secretly betrothing young Elizabeth to Richmond. When Richmond invades England, Richard is haunted by a dream where the specters of his victims curse him with death. The next day, at the decisive battlefield, Richard is slain, and Richmond is crowned King Henry VII, promising peaceful reign and unifying the feuding Lancaster and York houses by marrying young Elizabeth.

act 1 scene 1

Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and younger brother to the reigning King Edward IV, delivers a soliloquy expressing his discontent with the peaceful times. He feels excluded from the joyous atmosphere due to his physical deformities. Richard is hungry for power and plans to usurp the throne. He has begun plotting against the nobles at court, starting with his own brother, Clarence. Richard successfully plants suspicion in the easily influenced, sickly King Edward IV, leading to Clarence's arrest. He feigns sadness when Clarence enters guarded, on his way to the Tower of London, the usual place for political prisoners. Richard blames Queen Elizabeth and Lady Shore, the King's mistress, for Clarence's predicament, and assures Clarence he'll work for his release. However, once Clarence leaves, Richard reveals his true intentions of ensuring Clarence never returns. The Lord Chamberlain, Lord Hastings, enters, recently released from the Tower. Hastings shares news of Edward's deteriorating health with Richard, who pretends to hear this for the first time. After Hastings departs, Richard expresses satisfaction at Edward's illness, as his death would bring Richard closer to the throne. But Richard wants Clarence to die first, making him the legal heir. Richard's next move is to marry Lady Anne Neville, which would help him gain power. Lady Anne is a recent widow, her husband was the son of the deposed and murdered King Henry VI. She's in deep mourning, a fact that amuses Richard as he plans to woo her.

act 1 scene 2

Lady Anne, widow of Edward and daughter-in-law to King Henry VI, both from the House of Lancaster, enters the castle with Henry VI's coffin bearers. She curses Richard of the House of York, blaming him for the deaths of her husband and father-in-law. She hopes Richard's future offspring will be cursed and his potential wife will be as miserable as she is. Suddenly, Richard enters. Despite Anne's horror, he halts the procession to converse with her. Although she denounces him as her family's killer, he begins to romantically charm her. She reminds him that he murdered her husband and Henry VI, but he insists on her Christian forgiveness and even denies murdering her husband. Richard's eloquence gradually softens Anne's resistance. In a theatrical moment, Richard kneels with a sword, asking Anne to kill him if she can't forgive him, saying he doesn't wish to live if she despises him. He tries to justify his actions, claiming Anne's beauty compelled him to kill Henry VI and Edward. She lowers the sword. Richard puts his ring on Anne's finger, implying that she can bring him joy only by forgiving him and marrying him. She reluctantly accepts the ring but doesn't promise her hand in marriage. However, she agrees to meet him later at a specified location. Once alone, Richard cheerfully gloats over his conquest of Anne. He mockingly wonders if she's forgotten her slain husband and boasts of winning her over despite her mourning and her hatred for him.

act 1 scene 3

Queen Elizabeth, King Edward IV's wife, is growing fearful due to her husband's deteriorating health. She converses with her family, which includes her brother Lord Rivers and her sons Lord Gray and the Marquis of Dorset from a previous marriage. She expresses her worries about Richard gaining power over the throne if the king dies, due to her sons being too young to rule. She confides about Richard's hostility towards her, fearing for her and her sons' safety. Buckingham, the duke, and Stanley, the earl of Derby, enter the scene and inform that the king's condition has improved. They convey the king's desire for peace between Richard and Elizabeth's family, who have a history of rivalry. Richard makes a dramatic entry and complains about being misrepresented due to his straightforwardness. He accuses Elizabeth and her relatives of anticipating Edward's death. He blames Elizabeth for the imprisonment of Clarence, a deed he himself committed. This leads to a heated argument between Elizabeth and Richard. Meanwhile, Queen Margaret, unnoticed, watches this confrontation. She broods over the transience of power and blames Richard for the loss of her husband and son. Eventually, she reveals her presence, condemning Elizabeth and Richard for her downfall. The rest are surprised by her appearance, as they believed she was exiled. They unite against her. Margaret, filled with resentment, curses everyone. She wishes upon Elizabeth a life of misery, hopes for an early demise of Hastings, Rivers, and Dorset, and prays Richard would be plagued with deceit and unrest. After Margaret departs, Catesby arrives to relay the king's request to meet his family. Everyone leaves except Richard. He reveals his deceitful schemes and introduces the murderers he hired to kill his brother Clarence.

act 1 scene 4

Locked inside the Tower of London, Clarence shares a chilling dream he experienced the previous night with Brackenbury, the tower's head. In his dream, he and his brother, Richard, were on a ship bound for France. However, when Richard stumbled on deck and Clarence tried to help, he was accidentally knocked into the ocean by Richard. The dream's terrifying ordeal of prolonged drowning ended with a journey to the underworld. There, Clarence encountered the specters of those he had a hand in killing during the recent regime change, including Prince Edward, son to Henry VI. Prince Edward cursed Clarence, and demonic creatures dragged him to hell. Clarence woke trembling in fear. Brackenbury offers sympathy, agreeing to keep Clarence company as he falls asleep due to his ominous feelings. However, their peace is disrupted when Richard's paid killers barge in, presenting a warrant from Richard that orders Brackenbury to leave them alone with Clarence. With no choice, Brackenbury departs quickly. Once Clarence is alone and asleep, the killers contemplate the best way to execute him. Their conscience troubles them momentarily, but the promise of a reward from Richard ultimately encourages them. They choose to batter him with their swords before drowning him in a nearby wine keg. However, Clarence wakes up and begs for his life, causing the murderers to falter. He suggests they negotiate with Richard, whom he believes would reward them for sparing him. One murderer falters, but the other reveals that it was Richard who ordered the killing, leaving Clarence shocked. The murderer stabs Clarence and hides his body in the wine keg, and both killers escape before they can be discovered.

act 2 scene 1

King Edward IV, frail and unwell, enters accompanied by his family, his wife’s relatives, and his council. He expresses his disappointment over their disputes and urges them to reconcile. He also reveals that he has pardoned his imprisoned brother, Clarence, who was sentenced to death in the Tower of London. However, Edward is unaware that his other brother, Richard, has seized the letter and had Clarence executed. After considerable persuasion, Edward manages to get Buckingham and Hastings to bury the hatchet with Queen Elizabeth and her kinsmen, including Rivers, Dorset, and Gray. Richard makes an appearance and delivers an eloquent speech, presenting himself as a friend to all and apologizing for his past animosity. The atmosphere appears to be peaceful. The tranquility is disrupted when Elizabeth requests Edward to officially pardon Clarence and call him to the palace. Richard, pretending to be offended, informs everyone about Clarence’s death. He artfully makes Edward feel guilty for issuing the death sentence and for not revoking it soon enough. Edward, remorseful and devastated, blames himself for his brother's death. Suddenly, Stanley, the Earl of Derby, arrives pleading for a servant's life. Edward, in his grief, lashes out at his nobles for not intervening to save Clarence when his wrath clouded his judgment. Edward's health rapidly deteriorates due to his grief and guilt, and he has to be aided to his bed.

act 2 scene 2

In a palace room, the Duchess of York, mother to Richard, Clarence, and the late King Edward, tries to console Clarence's young children. They question her about their father's death, but she fibs to shield them from the truth. She is aware of Richard's wickedness and his role in his brother's demise, causing her deep regret over his birth. Suddenly, a disheveled Elizabeth bursts in, expressing her sorrow vocally, a traditional grief symbol in Elizabethan theatre. She informs the Duchess about King Edward's death, who joins her in sorrow. A chorus of sorrow ensues - the children weep for Clarence, their deceased father; Elizabeth laments her husband, Edward's death, and the Duchess mourns both her departed sons, Edward and Clarence. Elizabeth's relatives, Rivers and Dorset, urge Elizabeth to focus on her older son, the youthful Prince Edward - the heir apparent. The prince needs to be summoned to London for his coronation. But, Richard appears abruptly, in the company of Buckingham, Hastings, Stanley, and Ratcliffe. Richard and Buckingham seamlessly agree that the prince should be brought to London, proposing that they should fetch him. The rest depart to decide who among them should escort the prince, leaving Richard and Buckingham behind. Buckingham, evidently Richard's partner-in-crime, proposes a plan to isolate the prince from Elizabeth's family. Richard affectionately agrees to Buckingham's schemes, accepting him as a trusted ally and confidant.

act 2 scene 3

Three average Londoners converse about the country's condition. They exchange information about King Edward's passing. Even though one holds a positive outlook, believing Edward’s offspring will ascend to the throne, the others express great concern. They argue that Prince Edward, the eldest son, is not mature enough to rule. They comment on the rivalry between the prince's maternal relatives (Rivers, Dorset, and Gray) and his Uncle Richard. They observe that Richard is treacherous, manipulative, and power-hungry, and they speak of his wicked character. The citizens express discontent, saying it would be more beneficial if the prince had no uncles rather than having them fight for his and the country's control. They fear the upcoming uncertainty.

act 2 scene 4

Within the royal residence, a cardinal, close to Queen Elizabeth's family, informs her, her youngest son, and the Duchess of York that young Prince Edward is almost in London, expected to arrive in two days. They all express their excitement to see him. Suddenly, the Marquis of Dorset brings devastating news. Queen Elizabeth's relatives, Rivers and Gray, along with their associate, Sir Thomas Vaughan, have been captured and sent to Pomfret, a fortress known for detaining and executing prisoners. The orders were issued by Richard and his counterpart, Buckingham. The grim news makes Elizabeth and the Duchess anticipate the downfall of their family, and they mourn their imminent loss. Fearing Richard's intentions, Elizabeth decides to protect her youngest son by seeking refuge in a sanctuary. The cardinal pledges his allegiance to her and entrusts her with the Great Seal of England, a meaningful symbol.

act 3 scene 1

The young Prince Edward arrives in London with his group and is met by his uncle, Richard, and his allies, Buckingham and Catesby. The prince, a clever boy, is wary of Richard's flattering words. He asks about his mother's relatives—Rivers, Gray, and Dorset. Richard does not inform him that he has imprisoned Rivers and Gray and that Dorset has likely gone into hiding. Lord Hastings arrives, bringing news that Elizabeth and her younger son, the Duke of York, have taken sanctuary. This annoys Buckingham, who instructs the Lord Cardinal to retrieve York. If Elizabeth resists, Hastings is to forcefully take the child. Buckingham contends that a young child cannot rightfully claim sanctuary. Reluctantly, the cardinal agrees to this plan, and he and Hastings leave to fetch York. Richard tells Prince Edward that he and York will stay in the Tower of London until his coronation, a plan that neither prince is happy about. Once the princes are sent to the tower, Richard, Buckingham, and Catesby discuss their ongoing schemes. They question whether Lords Hastings and Stanley can be persuaded to support Richard's ambition to steal the throne. Despite Hastings's enmity to Elizabeth and her family, Catesby thinks he would remain loyal to the deceased King Edward IV, and that Stanley would follow Hastings. The group plans to hold a council to determine their allies. Officially, the council is to decide when Prince Edward will be crowned, but the actual aim is to scheme for Richard's kingship. There will be a secret strategy session followed by a public council to execute the plans. Richard and Buckingham instruct Catesby to probe Hastings's loyalty. They also tell him to inform Hastings of the impending execution of Elizabeth's imprisoned relatives, hoping this news pleases Hastings, their longtime foe. If Hastings remains loyal to Prince Edward, Richard casually mentions they'll behead him. Confident in his plans, Richard assures Buckingham of his future title of Earl of Hereford once he is king.

act 3 scene 2

In the early hours, a messenger arrives at Lord Hastings' residence, sent by Hastings' ally, Lord Stanley. The messenger relays that Stanley has knowledge of Richard's plan to conduct "divided counsels" that day (III.i.176). The previous night, Stanley dreamt of a boar—Richard's emblem—assaulting and killing him. Because of this, Stanley fears for his and Hastings' lives and advises Hastings to flee with him at daybreak, away from Richard's reach. Hastings, however, disregards Stanley's concerns and assures the messenger to tell Stanley there's no danger. Soon after, Catesby, sent by Richard, visits Hastings to gauge his opinion about Richard's plot to ascend to power. But when Catesby proposes that Richard should be king instead of Prince Edward, Hastings reacts in shock. Observing Hastings' stubbornness, Catesby seems to abandon the topic. Stanley arrives expressing his apprehensions, but Hastings confidently dismisses them. Hastings then leaves for the council meeting with Buckingham, ironically celebrating the anticipated execution of Elizabeth’s relatives, thinking that he and Stanley are safe under Richard and Buckingham's protection. However, Hastings remains blissfully oblivious of Richard's plot to behead him should he refuse to switch sides.

act 3 scene 3

Under the watchful eye of Sir Richard Ratcliffe, Rivers and Gray - relatives of the queen, and their ally Sir Thomas Vaughan, are escorted into their prison at Pomfret Castle. With the prospect of execution looming, Rivers voices his dismay to Ratcliffe, stating that their impending deaths are merely a punishment for their loyalty, and that karma will eventually befall their murderers. Gray recalls Margaret's curse and acknowledges that its effects have befallen them; their impending doom is retribution for their past involvement in the killing of Henry VI and his son by the Yorkists. However, Rivers reminds Gray that Richard and his cohorts were also subjects of Margaret's curse. He prays for God to enforce these curses, while requesting divine forgiveness for the curse Margaret placed on Elizabeth and her two young sons. With that, the trio brace themselves for their imminent demise.

act 3 scene 4

During a council meeting at the Tower of London, Hastings questions the council members about the agenda, expecting it to be about setting a coronation date for Prince Edward. Derby confirms his assumption. Richard enters the meeting, in good spirits, and requests strawberries from the Bishop of Ely. Buckingham pulls Richard aside to inform him that Hastings supports the young princes and will not align with Richard’s power grab. When Richard returns to the meeting, his demeanor has completely shifted. Feigning anger, he displays his congenitally deformed arm, claiming Queen Elizabeth and Shore, Hastings's mistress, must be practicing witchcraft. When Hastings balks at this claim, Richard labels him a traitor, demands his execution, and vows not to eat until he sees Hastings's head. Left with the executioners, a shocked Hastings realizes Stanley's warnings about Richard's treachery and thirst for power were right. Recognizing Richard’s unstoppable quest for dominion, he laments that Margaret’s curse is coming true.

act 3 scene 5

Richard challenges Buckingham on his allegiance and abilities. Buckingham asserts his readiness to deceive, harm and murder for Richard's cause. Following the demise of Lord Hastings and Elizabeth’s kin, as well as their control over the court, Richard and Buckingham plan to sway England's commoners to secure Richard's reign. Their initial strategy is to convince the London mayor that Hastings was disloyal. Buckingham reassures Richard of his convincing acting skills. They encounter the mayor at the castle, with Catesby presenting Hastings’s severed head. Buckingham communicates Hastings's supposed betrayal, accusing him of a murder plot against himself and Richard. Richard informs the mayor of Hastings's full confession prior to dying. The mayor, either naive or simply compliant with authority, accepts Richard and Buckingham's story as truth. He commits to spreading the tale of Hastings's treachery to the London public, validating Richard's execution of him. Once the mayor leaves, a satisfied Richard shares the next phase of their scheme with Buckingham: Buckingham is to incite animosity towards the late King Edward IV and the young princes through public speeches, hinting at the princes' illegitimate claim to the throne. The aim is to turn public sentiment against the princes and push for Richard's coronation. While Buckingham does this, Richard dispatches his men to recruit more allies, plans the elimination of Clarence’s offspring, and ensures no visits to the imprisoned princes in the tower.

act 3 scene 6

In London city, a professional writer, known as a scrivener, reveals that he has completed his most recent task. This entailed transcribing a document that will later be declared to the entire city. The document asserts that Hastings was disloyal. The professional writer criticizes the deceitfulness of society, as he, and everyone else, understands that the accusations in the document are false, created by Richard as an excuse to eliminate his political opponent.

act 3 scene 7

Buckingham comes back to Richard with bad news: his attempt to sway the Londoners has failed. He tried to instigate negative sentiments towards King Edward and his sons, proposing Richard as a better choice for the king. However, instead of applause, he was met with a fearful silence, with only a handful of his own men cheering from the back. Buckingham had to cut his speech short and retreat. Richard is enraged at the people's reaction, but he and Buckingham push forward with their plan. They manipulate the impressionable lord mayor into proposing Richard for the king, making it seem like it's the public's demand. Richard will then appear reluctant to accept, only yielding after much persuasion. They execute their strategy perfectly, with Richard pretending to be deeply engrossed in prayer with two priests when the mayor approaches him. This is meant to show that Richard is a devout man. With a long and dramatic speech, Buckingham successfully convinces Richard to accept the kingship. Richard also agrees to Buckingham's suggestion to organize the coronation the next day.

act 4 scene 1

Outside the Tower of London, Elizabeth, Dorset, and the Duchess of York meet Lady Anne (Richard's wife now) and Clarence’s daughter. They are there to visit the imprisoned princes, but the tower keeper informs them that Richard has banned visits. Suddenly, Stanley, the Earl of Derby, arrives with the news that Richard’s coronation is imminent. Anne has to attend the ceremony as the soon-to-be queen. Shocked, Anne fears the coronation might spell disaster for England. She regrets marrying Richard, recalling her own curses against him for murdering her first husband. Her curses have become reality; she's trapped in a loveless marriage and Richard is tormented by nightmares. The Duchess of York advises Dorset to escape to France and support the Earl of Richmond, a potential claimant to the throne.

act 4 scene 2

Having assumed the throne, Richard, along with his confidantes Buckingham and Catesby, celebrates his victory. However, his joy is tainted by a sense of unease. He confides his plan to eliminate the young princes, the genuine royal successors, to Buckingham who hesitates to endorse it immediately. This perceived wavering leads Richard to doubt Buckingham's loyalty and he looks to a ruffian named Tyrrell to execute his plan. Concurrently, Richard orders Catesby to circulate sickly rumors about Queen Anne and to isolate her. He makes known his ambition to wed Elizabeth of York, the late King Edward's daughter, thus hinting at his intention to eliminate Queen Anne. Buckingham, concerned for his future, requests Richard to grant him the Hereford earldom as promised earlier. Richard responds with irate dismissal of his request and leaves Buckingham alone. Buckingham, now aware of his fall from Richard's good graces, decides to escape to his ancestral home in Wales, fearing he could be Richard's next victim.

act 4 scene 3

Tyrrell enters the palace, informing Richard about the successful killing of the princes. The murderers are guilt-ridden, and Tyrrell himself is disturbed. Richard, on the other hand, is thrilled and rewards Tyrrell handsomely. After his departure, Richard unveils his intricate plans to eliminate potential threats to his rule. He has arranged a trivial marriage for Clarence’s daughter and imprisoned Clarence’s unintelligent son. Richard also reveals Queen Anne's death – likely his doing – and his future intent to marry young Elizabeth, the previous King Edward's daughter. He thinks this marriage will solidify his reign. Suddenly, Ratcliffe appears, bringing news of Richard’s noblemen defecting to Richmond in France. Also, Buckingham has amassed an army in Wales to fight Richard. Surprised by this news, Richard decides to amass his own forces to confront the impending battle.

act 4 scene 4

Elizabeth and the Duchess of York mourn the lost princes when Margaret appears, calling the Duchess the mother of a monster, Richard. She warns them of his relentless terror and revels in the curses befalling the York and Woodeville families. She remains bitter over her husband, Henry VI, and son's deaths, viewing the York tragedies as retribution. A distraught Elizabeth seeks guidance from Margaret on cursing. Margaret advises her to feel the same bitterness and pain she has endured before leaving for France. Richard arrives with his noblemen and army leaders, provoking the Duchess into cursing him for his murderous acts against their family and expressing her regret for birthing him. Richard attempts to ignore the curses with music, but the Duchess' condemnations persist. Despite the verbal onslaught, Richard recovers and privately discloses his plan to marry Elizabeth's daughter. Elizabeth is appalled and sarcastically proposes he should gift her daughter the hearts of her slain brothers. Richard insists that the marriage would be a way to make amends and prevent a civil war. Elizabeth somewhat agrees and promises to discuss it with her daughter. Once she exits, Richard contemptuously labels her simple and weak. Reports of Richmond's invasion unsettle Richard as he learns of his allies' reluctance and noblemen rising against him. The only positive news is Buckingham's army dispersal and his capture. Hearing of Richmond's powerful force, Richard decides to face the challenge and leads his army to battle.

act 4 scene 5

Stanley, the Earl of Derby, has a covert discussion with a lord from Richmond's party. Richard's suspicions have forced Stanley to hand over his son, young George Stanley, as a guarantee of his loyalty. Stanley makes it clear that this circumstance is the only thing preventing him from siding with Richmond. Nonetheless, he sends his good wishes to Richmond, coupled with the news that ex-Queen Elizabeth has consented to a marriage between Richmond and her daughter, the young Elizabeth. The other lord informs Stanley of Richmond's location in Wales and the large number of English nobles rallying behind him. These forces are now marching towards London, preparing to face Richard in combat.

act 5 scene 1

Buckingham, now a prisoner, is escorted to his beheading by a sheriff. He wishes to converse with King Richard but is denied, allowing him some moments for reflection. He realizes it's All-Souls Day, a day for atonement, and remembers his oath to support King Edward IV's offspring and his wife's kin. He also thinks back on his trust in Richard, and how he was sure Richard would not betray him. He is reminded of Margaret’s prophecy: “[R]emember this another day, / When he [Richard] shall split thy very heart with sorrow” (I.iii.297–298). Accepting his fate, Buckingham acknowledges that his pain is deserved for his betrayals, his role in murders, and his naive trust in Richard. He instructs the guards to take him to “the block of shame,” and he is led to his doom.

act 5 scene 2

Richmond's troops are advancing through England, ready to confront Richard. Richmond shares news from his kin Stanley, indicating Richard's location and actions. Richard's forces are close, only a day's journey. The men remember Richard's heinous acts and the gloom he has inflicted on the country. One nobleman explains that Richard's companions are not with him out of conviction, but fear; they'll abandon him in his hour of need. Charged up for combat, Richmond and his men continue their march towards Richard.

act 5 scene 3

At his camp, King Richard instructs his soldiers to set up tents, anticipating the grand battle in the coming dawn. Despite his noblemen's lack of vigor, Richard remains optimistic, noting that his army significantly outnumbers that of Richmond. In Richmond’s camp, Richmond dispatches a messenger to pass a covert letter to his stepfather, Lord Stanley, who is forced to side with Richard. Richmond, however, hopes for his assistance. Back at Richard’s camp, due to Stanley’s connection to Richmond, Richard holds Stanley's son, George, hostage. He sends a message to Stanley, threatening to kill George if Stanley doesn't bring his forces to the main camp before sunrise. Richard, insisting on not eating supper, readies himself for bed. Stanley sneaks into Richmond’s tent and vows to support Richmond as much as possible. Richmond expresses his gratitude and proceeds to sleep. In their dreams, both leaders are visited by a procession of ghosts - the spirits of those Richard murdered. Each haunts Richard with visions of his impending death, then comforts Richmond with promises of victory and a royal lineage. The spectral parade includes Prince Edward, King Henry VI, Richard’s brother Clarence, Rivers, Gray, Vaughan, the two young princes Richard killed, Hastings, Lady Anne (Richard's ex-wife), and Buckingham. Awakening in terror, Richard reflects on his dream in a passionate monologue, acknowledging his murderous past and questioning his self-worth. For the first time, fear consumes him. Ratcliffe enters Richard's tent, informing him that it's time to prepare for war. Richard shares his disturbing dream, but Ratcliffe dismisses it as mere superstition. Meanwhile, Richmond wakes up and recounts his dream, filled with promising signs. He delivers an inspiring speech to his soldiers, encouraging them to fight against the tyrant, Richard. They cheer and march into battle. In Richard’s camp, Richard rallies his army with a speech, highlighting the weakness of the enemy. He then receives news of Stanley's rebellion and his refusal to support him. With the enemy approaching, there's no time to execute George. Richard and his forces march to war.

act 5 scene 4

A fierce battle unfolds between the two forces. Catesby, an accomplice of Richard, enters the scene and seeks assistance for Richard from Norfolk. He informs them that Richard's horse has been slain and the king is now combating on foot like a raging soldier, challenging every opponent he encounters as he hunts for Richmond. Richard then emerges, shouting for a horse. He declines the aid offered by Catesby, stating that he's prepared to face whatever the battle brings and has no intention of fleeing. He adds that Richmond appears to have filled the battlefield with his look-alikes - ordinary soldiers dressed as Richmond - five of whom Richard claims to have already eliminated. He then leaves in search of Richmond.

act 5 scene 5

At long last, Richard and Richmond confront each other and engage in a fierce battle. The duel comes to an end with Richmond defeating and murdering King Richard. Richmond, however, swiftly rejoins the fray. As the sounds of battle recede, Richmond emerges victorious, attended by his fellow nobles. It comes as no surprise that his side has triumphed with Richard's death. Pledging his loyalty to the new monarch, Stanley offers Richmond the crown seized from Richard's lifeless body. Richmond dons the crown without hesitation. In the aftermath, it becomes evident that the nobility casualties were minimal and Stanley's son, George, remains unharmed. Richmond, now King Henry VII, commands that the slain be interred and Richard's deserted soldiers be pardoned. He then declares his plan to wed young Elizabeth, the daughter of the previous Queen Elizabeth and the deceased King Edward IV. The long-lasting feud between the houses of Lancaster and York would finally be laid to rest with this union. The newly crowned king invokes divine favor upon England, his forthcoming marriage, and a prolonged peace. The nobles make their exit from the stage.

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