Throughout the play, Richmond (later King Henry VII) is consistently portrayed as a foil to Richard III. Their contrasting characteristics, actions, and personalities are emphasized through their dialogue and actions. Richard is characterized by deceit and villainy. From the outset, he declares his intention to be a villain. Indeed, in Act 1, Scene 1, he actually says:
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days
Richmond, on the other hand, is depicted as virtuous and honest. At the opposite end of the play, he celebrates Richard’s death with language evoking Christianity, friendship, and unity:
God and your arms be praised, victorious friends!
The day is ours; the bloody dog is dead.
Richard's dialogue often revolves around schemes and manipulation, whereas Richmond's speech is mostly valorous, righteous, and concerned for the welfare of England. Richard thinks and speaks about himself a lot, whereas Richmond thinks about others and says "we" far more often than "I." This is because Richmond’s concerns for his country are real, whereas Richard’s are fabricated for his own benefit. Richard's self-interest also starkly contrasts with Richmond's genuine empathy for others. While Richard is self-serving and power-hungry, Richmond consistently exhibits a sense of duty.
Another contrasting aspect of their characters is their approach to stressful or frightening situations. Richmond is depicted as calm, resolved, and secure in the righteousness of his cause, no matter what approaches. He's sure that God is on his side and will help them through adversity. In contrast, Richard grows increasingly desperate and tormented by his conscience as the play progresses, dreaming of "bloody deeds and death" by Act 5. Richmond’s character serves as a mirror that reflects the moral bankruptcy and depravity of Richard. His eventual victory represents the triumph of virtue over treachery, a common trope in Elizabethan tragedies.
Throughout the play, Richmond (later King Henry VII) is consistently portrayed as a foil to Richard III. Their contrasting characteristics, actions, and personalities are emphasized through their dialogue and actions. Richard is characterized by deceit and villainy. From the outset, he declares his intention to be a villain. Indeed, in Act 1, Scene 1, he actually says:
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle pleasures of these days
Richmond, on the other hand, is depicted as virtuous and honest. At the opposite end of the play, he celebrates Richard’s death with language evoking Christianity, friendship, and unity:
God and your arms be praised, victorious friends!
The day is ours; the bloody dog is dead.
Richard's dialogue often revolves around schemes and manipulation, whereas Richmond's speech is mostly valorous, righteous, and concerned for the welfare of England. Richard thinks and speaks about himself a lot, whereas Richmond thinks about others and says "we" far more often than "I." This is because Richmond’s concerns for his country are real, whereas Richard’s are fabricated for his own benefit. Richard's self-interest also starkly contrasts with Richmond's genuine empathy for others. While Richard is self-serving and power-hungry, Richmond consistently exhibits a sense of duty.
Another contrasting aspect of their characters is their approach to stressful or frightening situations. Richmond is depicted as calm, resolved, and secure in the righteousness of his cause, no matter what approaches. He's sure that God is on his side and will help them through adversity. In contrast, Richard grows increasingly desperate and tormented by his conscience as the play progresses, dreaming of "bloody deeds and death" by Act 5. Richmond’s character serves as a mirror that reflects the moral bankruptcy and depravity of Richard. His eventual victory represents the triumph of virtue over treachery, a common trope in Elizabethan tragedies.
