# Richard, Duke of Gloucester — Henry VI, Part III character guide

> Richard, Duke of Gloucester in Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Richard, Gloucester, Dicky, Richard Duke of Gloucester

**First appearance:** 0002-act-i-scene-i

## Snapshot

York's deformed, sharp-tongued youngest son, who throws down Somerset's head and jokes his way through a king's deposition.

## Who they are

Richard is the Yorkist brother whose wit cuts as deep as his sword, the one York praises above all his sons for what he has 'deserved.' He enters the parliament house armed, tosses Somerset's severed head at his father's feet, and declares he hopes to 'shake King Henry's head' — a line that lands as a jest and a threat at once. His sardonic asides during Edward's courtship of Lady Grey show a mind already watching, calculating, and enjoying the weaknesses of those around him.

## Relationships

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

Richard of Gloucester is a Yorkist prince who ultimately murders Henry VI in the Tower of London.

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

Richard of Gloucester is a Yorkist prince who ultimately murders Henry VI in the Tower of London.

### [King Henry VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/king_henry_vi)

_rivalry_

Richard of Gloucester is a Yorkist prince who ultimately murders Henry VI in the Tower of London.

## In the story

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

Throws down Somerset's head, boasts of his deeds, and supports York's claim aggressively.

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

Argues that York's oath to Henry is invalid and urges immediate action to claim the crown.

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

Vows revenge for his father's death, refuses to weep, and urges action.

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

Bitterly confronts Clifford over the murder of Rutland and York, barely restraining his rage.

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

Brings news of Warwick's brother's death, expresses rare emotion, and embraces Warwick.

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

Confronts Clifford alone, seeking revenge for his father York and brother Rutland.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-vi)

Identifies Clifford's groan, insists on vengeance for the murders of Rutland and York, and expresses a desire to torment Clifford even in death.

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

Observes Edward's courtship with cynical asides and delivers a soliloquy revealing his ambition and plans to remove all obstacles to the throne.

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

Feigns loyalty while privately plotting for the crown.

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

Flees with Hastings during the raid.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-v)

Orchestrates the king's escape, arranging horses and men in the park.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vi)

Helps Edward escape to Burgundy by ambushing the bishop's huntsmen.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vii)

Advises caution about the closed gates, then urges Edward to seize the crown, remarking that 'fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns.'

### [Scene I: The Battle of Barnet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-i)

Richard taunts Warwick, notes the defection of Montague, and supports Edward.

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

Warns that Queen Margaret's army is thirty thousand strong and that Somerset and Oxford have joined her, urging caution.

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

Present among Edward's forces, though without lines in this scene.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-v)

Stabs Prince Edward and departs for London to commit a bloody deed in the Tower.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-vi)

Kills King Henry VI and reveals his ruthless ambition and self-justification.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-vii)

Outwardly kisses the prince but compares himself to Judas, revealing his hidden ambition.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters/richard_duke_of_gloucester
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/characters