Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

At the royal court, Queen Elizabeth worries about her husband's illness. She dreads what will happen to her son if King Edward dies because Richard will be made his guardian until he comes of age to rule, and that worries her. Lord Buckingham and Lord Earl, having just visited the king, report that he is in good spirits and has sent for Richard, Lord Hastings, and Elizabeth's brothers, between whom he wants to make peace, since there have been hostilities between them.

Richard enters, angry because those around him lie about him behind his back and ruin his reputation with the king. He claims he has never said anything bad about Elizabeth or her brothers. He then accuses Elizabeth of having Clarence and Lord Hastings imprisoned and wanting King Edward dead. Elizabeth defends herself, and the two continue to argue.

The...