King Richard III Study Guide

Characters

Aldermen:

The aldermen are London officials ranking below the mayor in authority. Along with the mayor and the citizens of London, the aldermen are fooled in III.vii into asking Richard to become king.

Anne (Lady Anne):

Anne is the widow of Edward, prince of Wales, who was the son and heir of King Henry Vl. She hates Richard for murdering her husband and father-in-law, but Richard charms her into marrying him. As Richard's sad queen, she dies after he tires of her. Anne first appears in I.ii, sorrowfully following the coffin of her father-in-law, Henry VI. She laments King Henry's death and curses his murderer, Richard. Lady Anne puts a curse on any woman who would marry Richard, thus—ironically—curs ing herself.

When Richard appears and tries to take over the funeral procession, Anne reacts.....

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