The Black Arrow · Character

Richard of Gloucester

The future Richard III, a bold, exacting hunchback duke whose cold-blooded discipline and open-handed rewards make him a commander men follow gleefully.

supporting

Also known as Crookback Dick o' Gloucester, the Crookback, Crookback Dick, Gloucester, Crookback, Richard Crookback, Richard, Meanwhile Gloucester

First appearance: Book V: Crookback

As a supporting figure in The Black Arrow, Richard of Gloucester is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the intended recipient of Lord Foxham's military intelligence for the Yorkist cause.

In the storyVI: The “Good Hope” (Concluded)Open this moment free

See Richard of Gloucester in VI: The “Good Hope” (Concluded)Book page

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Richard of Gloucester appears in the wars as a small, dark, ambitious leader who demands that all things be done exact to his commandment and kills those who fail. Yet his men follow him gladly, for he is as liberal of his own blood as of theirs, always in the first front of battle and the last to sleep. He matters because his cold favour raises Dick to a perilous command and because his sour inspection of Joanna nearly rewrites her fate.

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The fuller portrait of Richard of Gloucester sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Richard of Gloucester in Book V: Crookback

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Sir Daniel's Opponents & Allies
Minor Characters & Victims
Protagonist

+14 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Dick’s psychological tension and decisive act…

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Relationships

Dick Shelton
professional · ambivalent
Dick serves under the future King Richard III in battle, forming a brief but significant… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
professional · ambivalent
Dick serves under the future King Richard III in battle, forming a brief but significant… How this plays out →
Dick Shelton
professional · ambivalent
Dick serves under the future King Richard III in battle, forming a brief but significant… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Richard of Gloucester in Book V: Crookback

In the story

Richard of Gloucester appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VI: The “Good Hope” (Concluded)
Mentioned as the intended recipient of Lord Foxham's military intelligence for the Yorkist cause.
Book V: Crookback
Central figure in this chapter, known as Crookback, a key player in the political and military conflicts.
The Shrill Trumpet
Richard of Gloucester leads the Yorkist forces, orders the hanging of prisoners, and plans the surprise attack on Shoreby.
The Battle of Shoreby
Leads the Yorkist assault, chooses the Chequers as headquarters, knights Dick, and reveals his obsession with killing Earl Risingham.
The Battle of Shoreby (Concluded)
Leads the decisive cavalry charge that breaks the Lancastrian lines, personally defeats Earl Risingham, and shows his characteristic ruthlessness and reward.
The Sack of Shoreby
Commands the Yorkist forces, grants Dick lances but warns him that mercy will cost him favor.
VII: Dick’s Revenge
Referenced as 'yon crooked devil' by Sir Daniel; Dick's brief favour with him is mentioned.
Conclusion
Crosses paths with the wedding party, offers Joanna a marriage, and departs with his army.
Endnotes
Mentioned in endnotes regarding the anachronistic use of his title 'Duke of Gloucester' and his actual younger age at the time of the story.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Richard of Gloucester unlock in the free preview.

See Richard of Gloucester in Book V: Crookback

See Richard of Gloucester in VI: The “Good Hope” (Concluded)