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Richard III · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Richard III by William Shakespeare.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Act I

    Richard III — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.

  2. Chapter 2

    Scene I

    Richard, Duke of Gloucester, delivers a soliloquy revealing his discontent with peace and his determination to become a villain. He has set plots in motion to turn King Edward IV against their brother Clarence. Clarence is led to the Tower under guard, and Richard feigns sympathy while secretly planning his death. Hastings arrives, recently released from imprisonment, and reports that the king is ill. Richard resolves to hasten Clarence's death and then pursue the throne.

  3. Chapter 3

    Scene II

    Richard, Duke of Gloucester, intercepts the funeral procession of King Henry VI, where Lady Anne mourns her husband and father-in-law. Despite her initial hatred and curses, Richard manipulates and woos her, ultimately winning her acceptance. After she leaves, Richard exults in his manipulative success, revealing his true intentions.

  4. Chapter 4

    Scene III

    Queen Margaret curses the court, including Richard, Queen Elizabeth, Rivers, Dorset, and Hastings, for their roles in the deaths of her husband and son. After she exits, Richard feigns innocence and reveals his manipulative plans, including sending murderers to kill Clarence.

  5. Chapter 5

    Scene IV

    Clarence recounts a terrifying dream to Brakenbury, foreshadowing his death and guilt. Two murderers, sent by Richard, arrive at the Tower. After a moral struggle, the Second Murderer overcomes his conscience for reward. They confront Clarence, who pleads his innocence and appeals to their humanity, but they stab him and plan to drown him in a malmsey-butt.

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  1. Chapter 6Act II
  2. Chapter 7Scene I
  3. Chapter 8Scene II
  4. Chapter 9Scene III
  5. Chapter 10Scene IV
  6. Chapter 11Act III
  7. Chapter 12Scene I
  8. Chapter 13Scene II
  9. Chapter 14Scene III
  10. Chapter 15Scene IV
  11. Chapter 16Scene V
  12. Chapter 17Scene VI
  13. Chapter 18Scene VII
  14. Chapter 19Act IV
  15. Chapter 20Scene I
  16. Chapter 21Scene II
  17. Chapter 22Scene III
  18. Chapter 23Scene IV
  19. Chapter 24Scene V
  20. Chapter 25Act V
  21. Chapter 26Scene I
  22. Chapter 27Scene II
  23. Chapter 28Scene III
  24. Chapter 29Scene IV
  25. Chapter 30Scene V