
In a war‑torn England where power shifts like the tide, a striking figure steps forward: Richard, the Duke of Gloucester. He opens with a bitter soliloquy that reveals his physical deformity and a restless mind bent on seizing the throne. His sharp wit and self‑aware villainy set a dark, compelling tone, inviting listeners to hear the inner calculations of a man who feels society has marked him as an outsider.
The drama quickly spirals into a web of intrigue as Richard plots against his own brother Clarence and the reigning king. Whispered prophecies, forged loyalties, and secret schemes drive the action forward, painting a vivid portrait of ambition and betrayal. As alliances crumble and suspicions rise, the audience is drawn into a tense chess game where every move could change the fate of a kingdom.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (175K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
the PG Shakespeare Team, a team of about twenty Project Gutenberg volunteers
Release date
1998-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1564–1616
Often called the greatest writer in the English language, this English playwright and poet created dramas and verses that still feel alive on the page and stage. His stories of ambition, love, jealousy, power, and loss continue to speak to readers centuries later.
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