Richard III Summary

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.