How Shakespeare has created the role of master "dissembler" in Richard III.

Richard III is a very challenging role for the lead actor because, to play the part convincingly, the actor must portray Richard's tremendous skill of deceiving those around him. In his opening soliloquy, Richard describes himself as "...subtle, false and treacherous", and Shakespeare uses many techniques to create the role of master "dissembler". These techniques include soliloquies, stylised language, dramatic irony, deliberate role-play, props and specific scene structures.

Shakespeare structures the scenes in such a way that Richard either begins or ends them with soliloquies. From this we can tell that Richard's acting is very deliberate and carefully calculated. A prime example of this is when he uses his opening soliloquy to relay his intention to:

"set my brother Clarence and the king
In deadly hate the one against the other."

When Clarence approaches, Richard urges his thoughts to "Divedown to my soul" This gives an insight into Richard's way of thinking and it shows that he mentally prepares himself for acting. This direct address to the audience, sharing with them his scheming plots and scurrilous plans both endears and horrifies his audience. The fact that they are privy to his odious plans makes them in some way to be colluding with him.

The audience must be fascinated by Richard's evil plans if the irony of the play is to be fully realised. An example of this is when he acts the caring brother to Clarence. He promises him,

"I will deliver you or else lie for you."

Clarence believes that Richard is going to either free him from the tower or lie in his place there. The audience, however, is aware of Richard's true intentions to tell lies and "deliver" Clarence to heaven. Richard attempts to reassure his brother by stating,

"We are not safe, Clarence, we are not safe."

Repetition of the same phrase is used to make Clarence believe that Richard is sincere in what he says.

Clarence wholeheartedly believes Richard to such an extent that when the murderers inform him that it is Richard who requests his death, he replies:

"Oh no, he loves me, and he holds me dear."

This reveals the power of Richard's ability to dissemble.

Richard then pretends to be devastated at the loss of the "gentle duke" Clarence. Yet Richard's deviousness stretches further than playing the devoted brother. He states that the fault lies in:

"some, less noble and less loyal,
Nearer in bloody

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