# Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick — Henry VI, Part III character guide

> Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick in Henry VI, Part III by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Warwick, Lord Warwick, sweet Warwick, great Warwick

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

## Snapshot

The 'Kingmaker' who plants Plantagenet on the throne and vows his eyes shall never close until York sits where Lancaster usurps.

## Who they are

Warwick is the great power-broker of the realm, the peer whose backing makes and unmakes kings. In the parliament house he pledges his life to York's claim, boasting that no man dares 'stir a wing' when Warwick shakes his bells — and later he crosses to France to negotiate a royal marriage as if he, not Edward, controlled England's future. His pride in his own indispensability is the hinge on which the play's alliances turn, and his eventual rupture with the king he made drives the middle acts.

## In the story

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

Leads the charge for York, threatens the Parliament with armed force, and orchestrates the agreement.

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

Mentioned as a key ally to be informed of York's plans.

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

Brings news of York's death and the defeat at St. Albans, rallies the Yorkist forces to march on London.

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

Challenges Henry to yield the crown and trades insults with Margaret and Clifford.

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

Exhausted from battle, Warwick learns of his brother's death and vows revenge, refusing to flee.

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

Enters the fray, causing Clifford to flee.

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

Proposes replacing Clifford's head with York's on the gates, and plans to cross to France to arrange Edward's marriage to Lady Bona.

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

Mentioned by Henry as having gone to France to secure a marriage alliance for Edward, and as a subtle orator likely to win over King Lewis.

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

Renounces Edward IV and allies with Margaret and Lewis, vowing revenge for the slight to his honor.

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

Offended by Edward's marriage, threatens to uncrown him.

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

Leads the conspiracy to capture Edward IV, welcomes Clarence and Somerset, and proposes a night raid.

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

Leads the night attack on Edward's camp, captures the king, and declares his intention to restore Henry VI.

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

Appointed joint protector with Clarence; he insists on pronouncing Edward a traitor and confiscating his lands, and receives the news of Edward's escape to Burgundy.

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

Warwick organizes loyal forces in Warwickshire and other counties, then departs for Coventry.

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

Warwick commands Coventry, awaits allies, and refuses Edward's offer of mercy, choosing to fight.

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

Mortally wounded by Edward, reflects on his lost power and glory, learns of Montague's death, and dies.

## Links

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