TH 4501
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Richard III
Plot Summary

Act I, Scene 1
Richard tells Clarence about the prophecy that "G" will murder the king.
Richard wants Clarence disposed of before King Edward's death

Act I, Scene 2
Richard stops the funeral procession of Henry VI
Richard begins to woo Lady Anne
Richard shows his tremendous skill in daring, wit, cunning and intelligence

Act I, Scene 3
Deathbed of Edward IV
Young Edward would be placed into the trust of Richard
Richard presents himself as injured innocence slandered to the king
Margaret sees through Richard's facade but can't prove anything
Margaret is prophetic in referring to the "doom of the house of York"

Act I, Scene 4
Clarence is in the Tower of London
Two murderers enter and discuss killing Clarence while he sleeps
In spite of Clarence's pleas, he is murdered

Act II, Scene 1
Edward IV has called all family members to his bedside
Richard delivers news of Clarence's death

Act II, Scene 2
Richard has convinced Clarence's children that the King, influenced by Elizabeth was responsible for their father's death
News arrives that the king is dead
Rivers urges the Queen to have her son crowned as soon as possible
Buckingham aligns himself with Richard

Act II, Scene 3
Three London citizens meet in the street
One is optimistic
One is not so confident
One is a pessimist

Act II, Scene 4
Anticipation of the arrival of the Prince
Richard grabs at power by imprisoning Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan

Act III, Scene 1
Arrival of the Prince
Queen has fled to sanctuary with young Duke of York
Richard sends the two boys to the Tower "for their protection"

Act III, Scene 2
Messenger arrives at Hasting's at 4:00 A.M.
Hastings claims loyalty to the Prince and invites his own death

Act III, Scene 3
Rivers, Grey and Vaughan are led to their executions
Grey acknowledged Queen Margaret's curses are coming true

Act III, Scene 4
Richard denounces Hastings and sentences him to death
Hastings laments the fate of England and his own foolish confidence

Act III, Scene 5
Richard and Buckingham put on a ruse to convince the Mayor that a plot for their murder forced them to execute Hastings.
Gloucester wants Buckingham to convince the citizens that Edward IV's children are illegitimate

Act III, Scene 6
The scrivener realizes that Hastings death warrant was mandate 6 hours before he was condemned

Act III, Scene 7
Richard appears reluctant to accept the crown in an effort to gain support
Richard manipulates the crowd to implore he accept the throne

Act IV, Scene 1
Anne is to become Richard's wife
Gathering of those Richard has wronged
Brackenbury reports that the Princes are well, but no visitors are allowed
Anne realizes that she is the victim of her own curse
Dorset is urged to flee to Richmond, Richard's nemesis

Act IV, Scene 2
Richard wears the crown, speaks openly, orders Princes killed
Richard orders Catesby to spread rumor of Anne's "illness" & plans to marry Elizabeth of York
Richard conspires to marry Clarence's daughter to a commoner, son is "weak minded"
Buckingham resolves to flee to his manor at Brecknock

Act IV, Scene 3
Tyrrel describes the murder of the Princes
Richard discusses his plan to marry young Elizabeth
Ratcliff reports that Ely has fled to Richmond & Buckingham is gathering forces in Wales
Bishop of Ely has fled to Richmond
Richard chooses to fight

Act IV, Scene 4
Margaret and Elizabeth argue over the just penalties men have paid for their crimes
The Duchess and Elizabeth attack Richard for his wrongs
Elizabeth warns Richard with a heavy curse
Richard reveals his plan to marry young Elizabeth to her mother's horror
Richard convinces Elizabeth to reconsider the marriage of her daughter
News arrives that Richmond's navy awaits Buckingham off of Wales
Buckingham has been captured, but Richmond has landed

Act IV, Scene 5
Stanley cannot send aid to Richmond, son held hostage
Elizabeth will marry Richmond

Act V, Scene 1
Buckingham is led to his execution, no reprieve from Richard
Major Theme: the execution of God's judgment on those guilty of murder or perjury

Act V, Scene 2
Scene at Richmond's camp at Tamworth
Richmond seen as rightful heir moving against a usurper

Act V, Scene 3
Richard has a three to one advantage over Richmond at Bosworth Field
Both sides of the field are shown simultaneously
Richard and Richmond sleep & are visited by ghosts of Prince Edward, Henry VI, Clarence, Rivers, Grey, Vaughan, the Princes, Hastings, Lady Anne, & Buckingham
Richmond receives words of praise and comfort
Ghost threaten retribution to Richard
Richard awakes fearful that his army will desert him

Act V, Scene 4
The king fights skillfully, courageously despite the fact his horse has been killed

Act V, Scene 5
Richard and Richmond fight; Richard is slain
All soldiers who fled are to be pardoned
Richmond reunites the Yorkists and the Lancastrians by marrying Elizabeth of York, Edward IV's daughter