# Duke of York — Richard II character guide

> Duke of York in Richard II by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Edmund York, stir Keeps good old York, York

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

## Snapshot

Richard's aging uncle and Lord Governor, who guards England in the king's absence while his own blood divides his loyalty.

## Who they are

Left as regent while Richard campaigns in Ireland, York commands the realm's defense and sends Berkeley to demand what pricks Bolingbroke to take up arms. He greets his nephew not with a blessing but with a rebuke, refusing the words grace and uncle from a traitor's mouth. His anguish is the play's central political bind made flesh: a man whose duty to the crown collides with his kinship to the man marching against it, and whose wavering will help decide which way England falls.

## In the story

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

Warns Gaunt that Richard will not listen and later is appointed Lord Governor.

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

Arrives burdened with the crisis, learns of the Duchess of Gloucester's death, and is torn between loyalty to Richard and kinship with Bolingbroke.

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

Confronts Bolingbroke for his rebellion but, feeling powerless, declares himself neutral and eventually agrees to go to Bristol.

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

Accompanies Bolingbroke and confirms he has sent letters to the queen.

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

Rebukes Northumberland for omitting Richard's title and observes Richard's kingly appearance.

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

Recounts the entry of Bolingbroke and Richard into London, discovers Aumerle's conspiracy, and resolves to inform the king.

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

Reveals Aumerle's treason, demands punishment, and argues against mercy.

## Links

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