Richard III Author:William Shakespeare Richard is at first an extravagant, self-indulgent king. He exiles two feuding noblemen, Mowbray and Bolingbroke. When John of Gaunt dies, Richard seizes his properties to finance a war against the Irish. This seizure serves as an excuse for the resentful, scheming Bolingbroke to invade England with his armies. Richard surrenders and abdicates a... more »nd is held prisoner. In captivity, Richard attains enlightenment and rediscovers pride, trust and courage.« less