The story in one page
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is tired of being the odd man out in the House of York. While his brother Edward sits on the throne, Richard spends his time framing relatives, courting the widow of a man he killed, and hiring thugs to dispose of his brother Clarence in the Tower. After Edward dies, Richard manipulates his way into becoming Lord Protector, eliminates Lord Hastings for being too skeptical, and declares his young nephews illegitimate. He is crowned King, but his reign is short-lived. Richmond arrives to challenge him, culminating in a final, messy clash at Bosworth Field that settles the score for everyone.
Who's who
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester
The ambitious architect of his own political ascension.
- Queen Margaret
A vengeful widow keeping score of the house's bloodline.
- Lord Hastings
A nobleman who assumes he is safer than he is.
- Richmond
The challenger who brings a decisive end to the struggle.
What it's really about
- Political gaslighting
- Using scripture to mask cold-blooded political maneuvering.
- The ledger of grief
- Keeping count of every murder to balance the political books.
Why it's memorable
- A Duke smiling at the executioners he just hired.
- Three grieving women sitting on the floor to compare losses.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Richmond defeats Richard at Bosworth Field. He then promises to unite the warring houses of York and Lancaster through marriage to restore peace.
For your book club
- Does Richard actually believe his own lies?
- Why does Hastings ignore all the warnings?