This page contains links to the original Richard III text by Shakespeare.

The language used in Shakespeare’s day is slightly different to today’s modern English, which is reflected in the text. Our article on Shakespeare & early modern English, or our Shakespeare dictionary, will help you to understand the language as you read through the original text

Another thing to bear in mind as you read the Richard III text are Shakespeare’s stage directions, which are italicised. Stage directions are instructions and direction to the actors, and not spoken lines. Some stage directions can be a little confusing, so have a read of our understanding Shakespeare’s stage directions article.

The script of Richard III is very long, so we have separated the play into it’s original 5 Acts (want to know why all Shakespeare’s plays have five acts?). Click on the appropriate links below to read Shakespeare’s original Richard III text:

Richard III Act 1, Scene 1
Richard III Act 1, Scene 2
Richard III Act 1, Scene 3
Richard III Act 1, Scene 4

Richard III Act 2, Scene 1
Richard III Act 2, Scene 2
Richard III Act 2, Scene 3
Richard III Act 2, Scene 4

Richard III Act 3, Scene 1
Richard III Act 3, Scene 2
Richard III Act 3, Scene 3
Richard III Act 3, Scene 4
Richard III Act 3, Scene 5
Richard III Act 3, Scene 6
Richard III Act 3, Scene 7

Richard III Act 4, Scene 1
Richard III Act 4, Scene 2
Richard III Act 4, Scene 3
Richard III Act 4, Scene 4
Richard III Act 4, Scene 5

Richard III Act 5, Scene 1
Richard III Act 5, Scene 2
Richard III Act 5, Scene 3
Richard III Act 5, Scene 4
Richard III Act 5, Scene 5

See more Richard III resources >>