Richard III

Richard III

1. is the son of

   • Duchess of York
     • “O that deceit should steal such gentle shapes, and with a virtuous visor hide foul guile! He is my son; yea, and therein my shame; yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit” (II.i.26-29)
   • King Edward IV
     • is married to
       • Queen Elizabeth
         • "Hid'st thou that forehead with a golden crown, where should be graven, if that right were right, the slaughter of the Prince that owed the crown and the dire death of my two sons and brothers? Tell me, thou villain slave, where are my children?" (IV.iv.134-38)
     • “And now in peace my soul shall part to heaven since I have set my friends at peace on earth. Rivers and Hastings, take each other’s hand. Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.” (II.i.5-8)
   • George, Duke of Clarence
     • "O, if you love my brother hate not me. I am his brother, and I love him well. If you be hired for meed, go back again, and I will send you to my brother Gloucester, who will reward you better for my life than Edward will for tidings of my death." (I.iv.206-11)

2. is married to

   • Lady Anne
     • formerly betrothed to
       • • widow of
           • King Henry VI
             • father of
               • Edward of Westminister
           • Queen Margaret
             • "But repetition of what thou hast marred; that will I make before I let thee go. A husband and a king thou owest to me; and thou a kingdom; all of you allegiance. The sorrow that I have, by right is yours; and all the pleasures you usurp are mine." (I.iii.165-70)
     • "Richard Duke of Gloucester: Bid me farewell. Lady Anne: 'Tis more than you deserve. But since you teach me how to flatter you, imagine I have said farewell already." (I.ii.208-10)

3. right hand man of

   • Duke of Buckingham
     • "Yet, whether you accept our suit or no, your brother's son shall never reign our king, but we will plant some other in the throne, to the disgrace and downfall of your house. And in this resolution here we leave you." (III.vii.196-200)

4. "Conscience is but a word that cowards use, Devised at first to keep the strong in awe." (V.v.38-39)