Act I

This first scene — and indeed the whole play — is dominated by the figure of Richard. ¹ He opens and closes the scene with a soliloquy, and keeps a constant steering hand on the direction of the dialogue. These two soliloquies make a frame for Richard's encounters with Clarence and Hastings, which are separated from each other by yet another short monologue. The central episodes (Clarence going to prison and Hastings leaving it) are also similar in content: in both Richard meets a future, unsuspecting victim; in both he dissembles, then explains the purpose of his deceit in the soliloquy that follows. Thus the first scene with its symmetrical construction introduces a technique used in various forms throughout the play and indeed throughout Shakespeare's early work. In Richard III this symmetry is still very obvious, almost obtrusive; Richard's twice-repeated show of hypocrisy before two of his future victims has an artificial flavour about it. Yet at the same time, the careful construction of this scene suggests the work of a highly conscious author unwilling to admit any fortuitous element into his plot, preparing well in advance for future developments. Themes and characters introduced here will not remain unutilized in future scenes.