ABSTRACT
The portrayal of Richard III as the quintessential tyrant has a long history. Writing before Shakespeare, Sir Thomas More’s “History of Richard III” describes him as “malicious, wrathful, envious, and from afore his birth ever forward . . . close and secret, a deep dissembler . . . often for ambition, and either for the surety or increase of his estate.”1 Adopting More’s account, Shakespeare to some extent does present Richard as the character Vice, who finally is defeated by the virtuous Richmond.2 Grandfather to Elizabeth I, Richmond brought the War of the Roses to its conclusion and founded the Tudor dynasty. From this perspective, the play contrasts Richard as a vicious tyrant with the Tudors as the true monarchs who bring peace and prosperity to England.3 Modern interpretations of Richard tend to follow this view. Richard Loncriane’s 1995 film, for example, sets the play in an alternative 1930s universe where fascist forces have overcome Britain and Richard is the consummate military dictator.4 Such interpretations underscore the connection between the play and contemporary totalitarian regimes.5 This means in our world, where monarchy is constitutional and political systems have checks and balances, Richard is held in check or only to be found outside western democracies. It seems we, at least, can sleep safely.
