Lightborne is the assassin Mortimer Junior hires to kill Edward II. He specializes in murders that do not leave physical traces of violence on the victims' bodies (such as pouring poison in the victim's ear). His name is an Anglicized version of "Lucifer"—i.e. the devil. Nevertheless, he is not cunning enough to avoid betrayal, since Gourney kills him immediately after the king's assassination in order to better cover up the crime.
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Lightborne Character Timeline in Edward II
The timeline below shows where the character Lightborne appears in Edward II. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 5, Scene 4
...could also be read as ordering Edward's safety. In addition, he has ensured that the assassin—Lightborne—will be murdered once Edward himself is dead.
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Mortimer Junior calls Lightborne in, and the two discuss the plans for Edward's murder. Lightborne scoffs at the idea...
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Lightborne leaves, and Mortimer Junior takes stock of his position, which allows him to control both...
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Act 5, Scene 5
Just then, Lightborne enters and hands Mortimer Junior's letter to Gourney and Maltravers. Lightborne also shows them the...
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Now alone, Lightborne finds Edward, who suspects that Lightborne is there to kill him. Lighborne denies this, saying...
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Lightborne, claiming to be moved, urges Edward to lie down on the feather bed. Edward is...
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Maltravers and Gourney hold Edward down while Lightborne kills him with the spit. Fearing that Edward's screams will have been heard, Gourney quickly...
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Act 5, Scene 6
Maltravers informs Mortimer Junior that both Edward and Lightborne are dead. However, he also reveals that Gourney has fled and may betray them. Mortimer...
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