Richard III · Character

Duke of Buckingham

Richard's smooth, calculating right hand, a nobleman whose political cunning helps seat a king and whose conscience eventually stalls.

major

Also known as Buckingham, cousin Buckingham, princely Buckingham, noble Buckingham

First appearance: act i scene i

As a major figure in Richard III, Duke of Buckingham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Attempts to calm Margaret and later listens to Richard's false confidences.

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Buckingham moves through the court as Richard's chief enforcer, lending noble credibility to plots that would look naked coming from Gloucester alone. He thrives on proximity to power, but when Richard asks him to…

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See Duke of Buckingham in act i scene i

Character Web

27 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Richard's Inner Circle
Protagonist
Murderers and Manipulators

+22 more in the full Character Web

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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…

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In the story

Duke of Buckingham appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene III
Attempts to calm Margaret and later listens to Richard's false confidences.
Scene I
Swears loyalty to the queen's allies; observes the court's reaction to Clarence's death.
Scene II
Proposes fetching the young prince with a small train; conspires with Gloucester.
Scene IV
Referenced as one of the 'mighty dukes' who committed Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan to prison.
Scene I
Assists Richard in his schemes, suggests sending Catesby to Hastings, and argues for taking York from sanctuary.
Scene II
Meets Hastings and makes an aside about his impending death.
Scene IV
Participates in the council meeting and conspires with Richard against Hastings.
Scene V
Assists Richard in the plot, pretends to be terrified, and is sent to the Guildhall to slander Edward's lineage.
Scene VII
Orchestrates the public spectacle, coaching Richard to appear holy and reluctant, and persuades the mayor and citizens to demand Richard's kingship.
Scene II
Hesitates to consent to the princes' murder and feels betrayed when Richard denies his promised earldom.
Scene IV
Mentioned as leading a rebellion and expected to aid Richmond's invasion.
Scene I
Led to execution, reflects on his downfall and the fulfillment of Margaret's curse.

Chapter companion notes

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See Duke of Buckingham in act i scene i

See Duke of Buckingham in Scene III