Richard II characters

Also known as King Richard II

Appears from the start

The King of England, ruling by inherited right and presiding over a formal accusation of treason between two nobles. He is ceremonially confident but must manage a conflict that touches his own court and reputation.

Also known as Henry Hereford, Henry Bolingbroke

Appears from the start

John of Gaunt's son and the Duke of Hereford, who formally accuses Thomas Mowbray of treason, embezzlement, and complicity in the Duke of Gloucester's death. He insists on defending his honor through trial by combat.

Also known as Duke of Norfolk

Appears from the start

A powerful nobleman accused by Bolingbroke of treason and involvement in Gloucester's death. He denies the charges and demands combat to clear his name.

Also known as Duke of Lancaster

Appears from the start

Bolingbroke's father, an elderly son of Edward III and uncle to Richard. He values lawful order and family honor, yet his loyalty to the crown limits how far he will oppose the king on his son's behalf.

Also known as Duchess of Gloucester

First appears in chapter 2

The widow of the murdered Duke of Gloucester and sister-in-law to John of Gaunt. She urges Gaunt to treat her husband's death as an injury to their entire royal family and seek punishment.

Also known as Duke of Aumerle

First appears in chapter 3

The Duke of York's son and a favorite of Richard. He accompanies Bolingbroke partway into exile despite their political hostility and remains close to the king.

Also known as Duke of York

First appears in chapter 5

Richard's uncle and John of Gaunt's brother. He criticizes the king's expensive court and poor counsel while continuing to recognize his lawful authority.

Also known as Queen Isabel

First appears in chapter 5

Richard's queen, deeply attached to her husband. Before his Irish expedition, she feels an unexplained foreboding and fears that approaching sorrow is already present.

Also known as Earl of Northumberland

First appears in chapter 5

A powerful northern lord angered by Richard's treatment of the nobility and Bolingbroke's inheritance. He helps organize support for Bolingbroke's return to England.

First appears in chapter 5

One of Richard's close court favorites. He remains with the queen when the king departs for Ireland and becomes a target of the nobles who blame the favorites for misgovernment.

First appears in chapter 5

A courtier favored by Richard and associated with Bushy and Bagot. He helps advise the queen during the king's absence and is condemned by the returning opposition as a corrupt influence.

First appears in chapter 10

A churchman loyal to Richard and the principle of hereditary monarchy. As Richard's authority collapses, Carlisle warns that removing an anointed king will bring prolonged civil bloodshed.

First appears in chapter 12

A servant in the Duke of York's household who tends the garden while the queen listens nearby. He interprets the neglected kingdom through the practical order required to maintain plants and trees.

Also known as Duchess of York

First appears in chapter 15

York's wife and Aumerle's mother. Protective of her son, she welcomes Bolingbroke as a kinsman but remains alert to dangers facing her family after the change of power.

First appears in chapter 17

A nobleman in the new king's circle who listens as Henry wishes aloud for release from the fear posed by the imprisoned Richard. He interprets the remark as a call for decisive action.