Richard III · Chapter
Scene III explained
Queen Margaret curses the court, including Richard, Queen Elizabeth, Rivers, Dorset, and Hastings, for their roles in the deaths of her husband and son.
What happens
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and emotional peak where Richmond transfo…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Manipulation
Richard openly admits to the audience that he feigns virtue while orchestrating evil, manipulating others like Hastings and Buckingham.
- Revenge and Justice
Queen Margaret's curses are a call for divine retribution against those who wronged her, highlighting the theme of revenge.
- Conscience and Guilt
Margaret invokes the 'worm of conscience' for Richard, and Hastings' hair stands on end at her curses, suggesting latent guilt.
- Fate and Prophecy
Margaret's curses function as prophecies, foretelling the downfall of the court members, which Richard later acknowledges.
Characters to notice
- Queen Margaret
Delivers a series of curses against the court, prophesying their downfalls.
- King Richard III
Feigns innocence after Margaret's curses and reveals his manipulative nature; sends murderers to kill Clarence.
- Queen Elizabeth
Defends herself against Richard's accusations and expresses fear for her future.
- Duke of Buckingham
Attempts to calm Margaret and later listens to Richard's false confidences.
- Lord Hastings
Reacts with horror to Margaret's curses and is later manipulated by Richard.
- Earl Rivers
Defends Queen Elizabeth against Richard's accusations and is targeted in Richard's schemes.
- Marquis of Dorset
Dismisses Margaret as lunatic and is warned by her about the dangers of high status.
- Sir William Catesby
Enters to summon the court to the king.
Key passages
“The worm of conscience still begnaw thy soul!”
May guilt constantly eat away at your soul.
Margaret curses Richard with unending remorse.
“And thus I clothe my naked villany With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ; And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.”
I cover my evil deeds with bits of scripture, pretending to be holy while acting like a devil.
Richard reveals his hypocrisy and manipulation.
