Structure and Summary (Richard III)

This section explains the structure and provides a summary of the play Richard III by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s Richard III is one of his historical plays, chronicling the rise and fall of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who becomes King Richard III. The play focuses on Richard's Machiavellian tactics, his brutal pursuit of power, and his eventual defeat at the Battle of Bosworth. Structurally, the play follows the typical five-act form, allowing Shakespeare to trace Richard's rise to power and his subsequent downfall through a carefully constructed dramatic arc.

Structure of the Play

Richard III follows the classic five-act structure common in Shakespeare’s works, with each act serving a distinct purpose in developing the plot and character arcs:

Act 1: Exposition

Setting the Scene: The play opens with Richard's famous soliloquy ("Now is the winter of our discontent"), introducing him as a manipulative and self-aware villain who is determined to ascend to the throne.

Rising Conflict: In Act 1, Richard begins to set his plans in motion, plotting against his family members. He orchestrates the arrest of his brother Clarence and woos Lady Anne, even though he is responsible for her husband's death. This act establishes Richard’s malevolent character and his ambition for power.

Act 2: Rising Action

Further Intrigue: Act 2 sees the escalation of Richard’s schemes as his brother, King Edward IV, dies, leaving the young princes vulnerable. Richard begins positioning himself for a claim to the throne. The political tension builds as the court struggles with the succession, and Richard manipulates those around him, including the nobles.

Clarence's Death: Clarence, imprisoned under Richard’s orders, is murdered, marking the beginning of Richard's violent purge of potential rivals.

Act 3: Climax

Richard Seizes Power: This act marks the high point of Richard’s ambition. He manipulates public opinion and uses his ally Buckingham to claim the throne under the guise of protecting England from chaos. He has the young princes imprisoned in the Tower of London, and they are later killed.

Coronation: Richard's coronation as King Richard III occurs, symbolising his brief moment of ultimate power. However, his increasing paranoia and brutality suggest the beginning of his downfall.

Act 4: Falling Action

Richard's Tyranny: Richard’s reign becomes increasingly tyrannical as he turns against his former allies, including Buckingham. His actions lead to widespread discontent, and opposition to his rule begins to form.

The Princes' Murder: The murder of the princes is a key turning point, highlighting Richard’s willingness to eliminate anyone in his path. This act also sees the rise of Henry Tudor (Richmond), who gathers support to challenge Richard.

Lady Anne’s Death: Richard coldly arranges the death of his wife, Lady Anne, in his ambition to remarry and consolidate power further.

Act 5: Resolution

The Final Battle: The play culminates in the Battle of Bosworth. Richard’s forces face off against those of Richmond. Richard, now haunted by the ghosts of those he has murdered, loses control and is ultimately defeated by Richmond, who kills him in battle.

Restoration of Order: The play concludes with Richmond's victory, signalling the end of Richard’s reign of terror. Richmond becomes King Henry VII, symbolising the unification of the warring houses of Lancaster and York through his marriage to Elizabeth of York, thus ending the Wars of the Roses.

Summary of the Play

Act 1

The play begins with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, lamenting the peaceful reign of his brother, King Edward IV. Richard reveals his desire to become king and outlines his plan to achieve it by manipulating those around him. He orchestrates the imprisonment of his brother, Clarence, by turning Edward against him.

Richard manipulates Lady Anne, the widow of Prince Edward (whom Richard killed), into marrying him, showcasing his persuasive powers despite being responsible for her husband's death.

Act 2

King Edward IV, ailing and seeking to make peace among his court, pardons Clarence, but it is too late. Clarence is murdered in the Tower, a result of Richard’s plotting.

Edward IV dies, leaving his young sons as heirs to the throne. Richard, now their protector, sets in motion his plan to seize power by isolating the young princes and eliminating those loyal to them.

Act 3

Richard manipulates the nobility and uses his ally Buckingham to convince the people that the princes are illegitimate. He stages a public display of reluctance to accept the crown, but ultimately agrees to become king.

The two princes are imprisoned in the Tower of London and later murdered on Richard’s orders.

Richard is crowned King Richard III, marking the climax of his rise to power.

Act 4

Richard begins to consolidate his power, but his rule becomes increasingly tyrannical. Buckingham, who helped Richard rise to power, begins to question his loyalty, particularly after Richard orders the murder of the princes.

Buckingham is executed when he refuses to support Richard’s further schemes. Meanwhile, Richard plans to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York, in an attempt to secure his claim.

In contrast, Henry Tudor (Richmond) gathers support from discontented nobles and foreign allies to challenge Richard for the throne.

Act 5

Richard’s conscience begins to trouble him as the ghosts of his victims haunt him on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth. They curse Richard and bless Richmond.

At the Battle of Bosworth, Richard gives a famously desperate speech, offering his kingdom for a horse. Despite his fierce fighting, he is killed by Richmond.

Richmond emerges victorious and is crowned Henry VII. He marries Elizabeth of York, uniting the houses of Lancaster and York, and restoring peace to England.

Key Points of the Structure

Exposition (Act 1): Introduces Richard’s character and ambition, setting up the central conflict.

Rising Action (Act 2): Richard’s manipulation and scheming intensify, driving the plot forward.

Climax (Act 3): Richard achieves his goal and becomes king, marking the peak of his power.

Falling Action (Act 4): Richard’s reign begins to unravel as he loses allies and becomes increasingly tyrannical.

Resolution (Act 5): Richard is defeated by Richmond, and order is restored with the establishment of the Tudor dynasty.

Conclusion

The structure of Richard III allows Shakespeare to chart Richard's ambitious rise and inevitable fall, creating a clear moral arc that reflects the themes of divine justice and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The five-act form supports the development of Richard as a complex villain while demonstrating the tragic effects of his tyranny on England and those around him. The resolution brings a sense of moral order, with Richmond's victory symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil.