Richard III

Both a tragedy and historical play, Richard III tells the story of a nobleman whose Machiavellian rise to power secures his short reign as king of England. Occurring after the events of Henry VI, parts 1-3, Richard III is notable for completing Shakespeare s first tetralogy and is the longest of his stage plays after Hamlet. As a play that touches upon many grave themes, including fate and determinism, Richard III remains notable for its comedic elements and is still celebrated as one of Shakespeare s most versatile and ambitious works.