The players' wounds were true, and their swords, steel!

Nay, stranger yet, how often did I know

When the spectators ran to save the blow?

Frozen with grief we could not stir away

Until the epilogue told us 'twas a play.

From the point of view of an actor, playing the part of Bolingbroke or Richard is a daunting task. There are a number of ways in which an actor prepares to assume a character's role, but many of these methods are wanting in certain areas. Despite the fact that both characters are rich in the literary sense, for the purposes of this essay the difficulties facing an actor preparing to play a part can be best served by addressing the needs specific to the role of Richard. The major issue, which is more pronounced in Richard is the necessity of trying to portray certain things directly to the audience while allowing other factors to filter through subtly as the performance continues. This factor is one that should be applauded, when one takes into account the manner in which audiences are treated in the modern theatre. Thankfully Richard II assumes there is an intelligent audience almost participating in the play, but this can lead to even more problems for t

Shakespeare. Richard II, A Casebook

Richard's role as king of the people and man behind the crown must be examined before he can be understood. Clearly he feels at ease in front of his assembled court, but is this the same case behind closed doors? The answer is a resounding yes, which may come as a surprise to the audience who assume his bravado give way to a more frail and fickle person when in his day to day environment. As a result, Richard reaffirms his strength, and at this point one should question whether or not his power and majesty are really an act, or is he genuinely a larger than life man, with questionable aspirations and methods?

"Let's purge this choler without letting blood...

He also highlights Richard's ability to blur the lines of fact and fiction in Act I scene I.

he actor. Because of it's intellectually stimulating content, the actor must be aware of the fact that the character is being observed even more closely. A believable character must be portrayed or the dramatic impact of the play as a whole will be lost.

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Approximate Word count = 3230
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)