Richard II is a historical tragedy that explores the downfall of King Richard II of England. The play begins with a dispute between Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray, which Richard fails to resolve justly, leading to Bolingbroke’s exile. Soon after, Richard seizes the estate of Bolingbroke’s deceased father, John of Gaunt, angering the nobles and fueling discontent.

Richard’s poor governance, including heavy taxation and favoritism, erodes support among the nobility. Taking advantage of the king’s absence during a campaign in Ireland, Bolingbroke returns to England, claiming he only seeks his rightful inheritance. However, his growing support and Richard’s waning authority lead Bolingbroke to seize power.

Richard returns and surrenders, emotionally shattered and politically isolated. He is imprisoned in Pomfret Castle, where he reflects on the loss of his kingship and identity in poignant soliloquies. Bolingbroke is crowned King Henry IV, marking the start of the Lancastrian dynasty.

The play ends tragically when Richard is murdered in prison, likely on Henry’s orders or with his tacit approval. Henry is left to reckon with the guilt of usurping the throne and the consequences of Richard’s death, setting the stage for unrest in future plays.

• King Richard II – The reigning monarch whose mismanagement and belief in the divine right of kings lead to his downfall and deposition.

• Henry Bolingbroke (later King Henry IV) – Duke of Hereford and later Lancaster; cousin to Richard who returns from exile to claim his inheritance and eventually the crown.

• John of Gaunt – Duke of Lancaster, Bolingbroke’s father, and uncle to King Richard; he delivers the famous “This England” speech and criticizes Richard's rule before dying.

• Duke of York – Another uncle to Richard, caught between loyalty to the crown and justice for Bolingbroke.

• Duchess of York – Wife to the Duke of York; she begs for mercy on behalf of her son Aumerle when he plots against Henry IV.

• Duchess of Gloucester – Widow of Thomas of Woodstock (Duke of Gloucester); believes Richard was involved in her husband’s murder and demands justice.

• Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk – Accused by Bolingbroke of treason; exiled by Richard after their duel is halted.

• Aumerle (Edward, Duke of Aumerle) – Son of the Duke of York; remains loyal to Richard and is involved in a failed plot against Henry IV.

• Northumberland (Henry Percy) – A powerful noble who supports Bolingbroke’s rebellion and helps unseat Richard.

• Ross and Willoughby – Noblemen who support Bolingbroke’s claim to the throne.

• Bushy, Bagot, and Green – Richard’s flatterers and favorites, seen as corrupt and blamed for influencing his poor decisions.

• Earl of Salisbury – Loyal to Richard and attempts to rally support for him in Wales.

• Bishop of Carlisle – A staunch supporter of Richard who speaks out against the deposition and is arrested.

• Lord Fitzwater – Supports Bolingbroke and accuses Aumerle of treachery.

• Sir Stephen Scroop – Brings Richard the news of Bolingbroke's rising power and the desertion of allies.

• Queen Isabella – Richard’s young wife, heartbroken over his fall; represents the personal cost of political conflict.

• Abbot of Westminster – Part of the failed conspiracy to restore Richard to the throne.

• Gardener – Symbolically critiques Richard’s rule through a metaphor of England as a poorly tended garden.

"This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle...",

John of Gaunt, Act II, Scene I, Gaunt delivers a patriotic and critical speech about England, lamenting how Richard's misrule has corrupted a once-great nation.

"Not all the water in the rough rude sea Can wash the balm from an anointed king",

Richard II, Act III, Scene II, Richard asserts the divine right of kings and his belief in the sanctity of his rule, even as his power crumbles.

"Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs",

Richard II, Act III, Scene II, Richard, increasingly despairing, contemplates mortality and the end of kingship in a moment of poetic introspection.

"I wasted time, and now doth time waste me",

Richard II, Act V, Scene V, spoken during his imprisonment, Richard reflects with bitter regret on how he squandered his reign and is now paying the price.

"Thus play I in one person many people, And none contented",

Richard II, Act V, Scene V, this line highlights Richard’s internal fragmentation and the burden of kingship, even in solitude.

"With mine own tears I wash away my balm",

Richard II, Act IV, Scene I, Richard formally abdicates the throne, using poetic language to illustrate the loss of his royal identity.

Act I:

The play opens with a dispute between Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. They accuse each other of treason before King Richard II. Richard attempts to calm them but ultimately decides on a trial by combat. Just before the duel begins, he interrupts and instead exiles both men—Bolingbroke for ten years (later reduced to six) and Mowbray for life. John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke’s father, is heartbroken over his son's banishment.

Act II:

John of Gaunt, on his deathbed, delivers a powerful speech criticizing Richard's misrule. After Gaunt dies, Richard seizes his lands and money to fund a war in Ireland, angering the nobles. Bolingbroke, now dispossessed, returns to England with an army while Richard is away. The nobility begins to side with Bolingbroke. Richard's favorites—Bushy, Bagot, and Green—are condemned.

Act III:

Richard returns from Ireland and learns of Bolingbroke’s growing support and the execution of his allies. His confidence begins to collapse. Meanwhile, Bolingbroke strengthens his position, capturing key supporters and presenting himself as merely reclaiming his inheritance.

Act IV:

A parliament is called. Bolingbroke demands Richard's crown. Richard enters dramatically, ultimately yielding the crown in a symbolic and emotional act of abdication. Bolingbroke is declared King Henry IV. The Bishop of Carlisle protests the deposition and is arrested.

Act V:

Richard is imprisoned in Pomfret Castle. He reflects on identity, kingship, and time in deeply introspective soliloquies. A failed plot to restore him is uncovered. Eventually, Richard is murdered by Sir Pierce of Exton, likely with King Henry's indirect approval. The play ends with Henry IV expressing remorse and vowing to make a pilgrimage to atone for Richard’s death.