Henry VI Part 3

Roles

• Gloucester (Richard III) - Young Adult (20-35), Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

Gloucester (future Richard III) ruminates over King Henry VI's body

Summary

The play is about the house of York's claim to the throne against King Henry VI. The Duke of York organizes a revolt against King Henry VI and wins. However, he promises King Henry VI that he will let him rule England until his death. The Duke of York will be his successor. York's sons, Edward and Richard, persuade their father to break his promise and seize the crown before Henry's death. York is persuaded to fight against Henry's army. The two opposing sides fight and York is killed. York's army, however, prevails and the king flees with his army. King Henry flees to Scotland but is captured. Edward becomes king and proposes to Lady Gray to his brothers' surprise, after sending Warwick to France to ask for the King of France to give his sister in marriage to him. Queen Margaret, Henry's wife, goes to France as well to beg for help. A messenger arrives with news that King Edward has married Lady Gray. Warwick feels betrayed and vows vengeance. He decides to support the deposed King Henry and Queen Margaret, gathers an army with the support of the King of France and goes to England. Warwick's troops manage to capture Edward but he manages to escape with the help of Richard and Hastings. Edward gathers an army with all his supporters and faces Warwick. Warwick is killed in the battle. Margaret is defeated and her son stabbed. In this scene Richard goes to the Tower of London to kill King Henry VI. He has just stabbed King Henry once and after letting go of his rage against the king and the House of Lancaster, he ruminates about himself and his future. He feels like he is alone, not capable to feel love for anyone. He plans to spread rumors about his brother George and cause his downfall.

Tone

Use cases