RICHARD III: Was ever woman in this humour wooed?
Was ever woman in this humour won?
I'll have her, but I will not keep her long.
What! I, that killed her husband and his father,
To take her in her heart's extremest hate,
Richard's Triumph and Self-Deception — Richard III
Richard gloats to the audience after successfully wooing Lady Anne over the literal corpse of her father-in-law, whom he murdered. He marvels at his own manipulative power and mockingly decides to invest in his appearance now that he has somehow 'crept in favour' with his victim.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Historical Tragedy · Source: Richard III · Author: William Shakespeare · Characters: Richard III
About This Scene
This classical monologue is a masterclass in villainous self-congratulation, delivered by Richard III directly to the audience. Following his outrageous success in wooing Lady Anne, despite having murdered her husband and father-in-law, Richard revels in his manipulative prowess. He marvels at his own ability to deceive and conquer, while simultaneously planning further machinations. This piece offers a deep dive into the mind of a truly Machiavellian character.
Character Analysis
Richard III in this moment is a character exuding triumph, arrogance, and a chilling self-awareness of his own manipulative genius. He is a villain and anti-hero, delighting in his deception and mocking the very person he has just seduced. While intensely self-congratulatory, there is also a dark irony as he ponders his physical appearance, convinced that Anne must see something "marvellous proper" in him despite his deformities, leading him to decide on superficial improvements. This character is an authority figure, reveling in his power over others and the situation.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is a fantastic choice for auditions because it showcases a broad range of intense emotions and demands significant vocal and physical control. Actors can demonstrate their ability to handle complex classical language, embody a powerful and intelligent villain, and connect directly with an unseen audience. Its substantial duration allows for a sustained performance that truly highlights an actor's depth and skill in portraying arrogance, cunning, and self-deception.
Best Suited For
This monologue is best suited for male actors in the adult age range who excel at portraying complex, villainous, or anti-heroic roles. It is ideal for those seeking to be cast as a character actor or an authority figure. Given its classical nature and demand for intense performance, it is particularly appropriate for drama school auditions, agent showcases, general practice for advanced performers, or competitions where a strong dramatic classical piece is required.
Performance Tips
When approaching this monologue, focus on Richard's delight in his own cleverness and the direct, conspiratorial relationship he builds with the audience. Allow his internal thought process to be clear, moving from triumphant gloating to mock introspection about his appearance, and then back to chilling future plans. Pay close attention to the rhythm and imagery of Shakespeare's language, using the contrasting ideas of his disfigurement versus his successful wooing to inform your vocal and physical choices, maintaining an underlying current of cold, calculating power throughout.