Richard in William Shakespeare's Play

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Richard in William Shakespeare's Play

In Richard's opening speech, Shakespeare tells us some things that you

need to know about Richard, but not all. The opening speech gives a

hint as to what is going to happen, as what Richard says in his

opening speech is seen later on in the play. However, there are some

things we don't find out until later in the play.

In Richard's opening speech we learn that he has laid 'plots', and

'inductions dangerous'. We later learn that the 'plots' are to kill

Clarence, and to seize the crown. The 'inductions dangerous' are to

kill all that stand in his path to the throne. This is seen later when

the princes, Clarence and Hastings are murdered as they threaten to

foil Richard's plans to snatch the crown. The princes are heirs to the

throne and Hastings supports them, so they must be disposed of at

Richard's hands.

Richard's opening speech also tells us that he is 'subtle, false and

treacherous.' This is very true, as he is often false, lying about

many things. For example, when persuading Lady Anne to marry him, he

tells her how much he loves her, saying how beautiful she is, and how

he killed King Henry, Anne's father-in-law, and her husband Edward

because of her beauty - it was her 'heavenly face that set him on.'

This is all lies; he only wants Anne to be his wife as another step

towards the throne - a king needs a wife.

He is 'subtle' because he very subtly worms his way to the throne. We

see this when he makes everyone think he is friendly, and this also

ties in with his being 'false'. For example, in Act 3, scene 4,

Richard sends Ely for strawberries, trying to prove he is kind and

make a good atmosphere, so he does not seem to be a suspect. This is a

very 'subtle' way of appearing friendly.

The way Richard blames the Woodvilles constantly is very subtle too -

"It is the queen and her allies that stir the king against the duke my

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