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Richard II undergoes considerable change in character during the course of this play. I have mentioned this in my account of the plot, but I want to emphasize it again here. Character growth or transformation is not so apparent in the other two history plays we will be reading. Henry IV is largely a static character in the play titled for him; although his son, Prince Hal, does show a moderate alteration in character. Richard III in his play remains constant in his diabolical character throughout his play. But Richard II undergoes dramatic character shifts showing a certain growth or maturity during the play. In the beginning Richard is arbitrary, revealing a certain strength and confidence in his ruling. He listens to Mowbray and Bolingbroke and then makes a judgment. On the day of the trial by combat, he reverses his previous ruling and passes a judgment, which perhaps he should have done earlier, but nevertheless he still rules with authority. As he then turns his attention to Ireland, his confidence begins to recede as he seeks a source of revenue to fund his campaign against the Irish. But rather than question the wisdom of moving against the Irish at this time, Richard becomes brutal and unfeeling.... Henry Bolingbroke character changes far less. When in I, 3 he is sentenced to a ten year exile he is obedient but not self-pitying. In III, 3 when he approaches Flint Castle, where Richard awaits his fate, Bolingbroke instructs his men to be kindly to Richard: Noble lords, |