richard iii

Richard embodies everything that is evil. He has the keen ability to mask evil with an air of goodness. It is his drive for power that allows him to commit the evil crimes that move the play. He is completely obsessed with becoming the King of England no matter what the cost. Richard knows he is not in the direct linage to the throne but he is willing to do whatever it takes, including murder, to get himself there. He is capable of brutal, premeditated murder and is not hesitant to do so.
Richard makes his intentions and his cold nature very clear in his opening soliloquy. He spells out his plan in disturbing, unsettling words. “I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days” (I, i., l.30-31). He implies that he is bitter about the peace in England and about his crippled arm.
“...and now, in stead of barbed steeds to fright the souls of fearful adversaries, he capers nimbly in a lady's chamber to the lascivious pleasing of a lute. But I...