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Richard III · Character

Lord Hastings

A loyal lord of Edward's court, freed from the Tower once and confident of his standing, whose plain dealing cannot survive Richard's court.

supporting

Also known as Hastings, William Lord Hastings, the good Lord Hastings

First appearance: Scene I

As a supporting figure in Richard III, Lord Hastings is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Recently released from the Tower; reports that King Edward IV is sickly and weak.
In the storyScene IOpen this moment free

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Hastings belongs to the old Edwardian order, a man who once begged Mistress Shore for his liberty and believes his loyalty will protect him. He moves through the early court as a barometer of who currently has the…

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See Lord Hastings in Scene I

Character Web

26 connections

A slice of how Lord Hastings sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

KRKing Richard IIISTSir Thomas LovelSWSir William Ca…GDGeorge, Duke o…DODuke of Buckin…LHLord Hastings

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Richard's Inner Circle
  • Protagonist

+21 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • 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

Lord Hastings appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lord Hastings unlock in the free preview.

See Lord Hastings in Scene I