# Richard, Duke of York — Henry VI, Part II character guide

> Richard, Duke of York in Henry VI, Part II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** York, Richard Duke of York, Richard, my Lord of York, Lord York, noble York

**First appearance:** 0000-henry-vi-part-ii

## Snapshot

Richard of York smiles, bows, and waits, nursing a claim to the crown while everyone around him hands England away piece by piece.

## Who they are

York stands among the peers who watch Anjou and Maine traded for a bride, and he alone understands the loss as personal: those lands were his to lose. His soliloquy reveals a patient, calculating ambition, a man who will flatter Gloucester and court the Nevilles until the moment is ripe. He matters because he is the slow fuse under every quarrel in the play, the future of the Wars of the Roses in a single watchful lord.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

Feigns support for Gloucester while secretly planning to claim the crown for himself.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Argues for the regency; accused of treason by the armorer's apprentice; demands legal action.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv)

Leads the ambush on the conjuring party, arrests the Duchess and conspirators, reads the prophecies, and plans to inform the king.

### [Scene II: York's Claim to the Crown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii)

York lays out his genealogical claim to the throne and strategizes with Salisbury and Warwick, advocating patience and secrecy until the time is ripe to strike against the Lancastrians.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii)

Observes the trial by combat and comments on the proceedings, showing his political maneuvering.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iv)

Mentioned by Eleanor as part of the conspiracy against Gloucester.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-i)

Expresses private ambition for the throne, lamenting the loss of France, and joins the conspiracy against Gloucester.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Referenced as leading the house of York, burning with revenging fire against Lancaster.

### [Scene IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ix)

Mentioned as having returned from Ireland with an army, demanding Somerset's removal.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

York confronts the king, demands Somerset's removal, and asserts his claim to the throne.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ii)

Kills old Clifford in single combat, asserting his claim to the throne.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii)

Leads the victorious forces and resolves to pursue King Henry to London.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters/duke_of_york
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/characters