Richard II
Before King Richard, Bolingbroke accuses Mowbray of embezzling crown funds and of plotting the death of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. They will not be reconciled.
The widowed Duchess of Gloucester pleads with Gaunt to avenge the death of her husband. But Gaunt can do nothing because it is the King who is responsible for his brother Gloucester's death.
Bolingbroke and Mowbray are about to fight, but Richard stops the combat before it can begin. Bolingbroke is exiled for ten years (later reduced to six); Mowbray is exiled for life.
Richard, his cousin Aumerle, Bushy, Bagot and Green discuss Bolingbroke's departure for France. The King decides to levy taxes to fund the military campaign in Ireland. Gaunt sends for his nephew, the King. Gaunt dies after accusing Richard of improper government. Richard orders the seizure of Gaunt's property (Bolingbroke's inheritance). He then departs for Ireland, appointing his uncle York to govern in his absence. Northumberland reveals that Bolingbroke has returned to England with an army.
Bushy and Bagot try to comfort the Queen. Green reports the news of Bolingbroke's return. York declares that he cannot defeat him. Bushy and Green depart for Bristol. Bagot goes to meet Richard in Ireland.
Bolingbroke persuades his uncle York that he has returned for his rightful inheritance, not to start a rebellion against the crown.
Richard's Welsh army disperses. They have witnessed omens that convince them that the King is dead. Bolingbroke sentences Bushy and Green to death.
Richard returns from Ireland to discover that the Welsh troops have deserted him, that York has allied himself with Bolingbroke, and that the common people are rising against him.
Bolingbroke and his supporters meet with Richard. Bolingbroke promises to surrender his arms if his banishment is repealed and his inheritance restored. Richard agrees to his demands.
The Queen learns the state of the nation by eavesdropping on two gardeners. She departs for London to find her husband.
Aumerle is accused of murdering the Duke of Gloucester. Bolingbroke arrests everyone involved in the allegations. Richard abdicates. Bolingbroke announces his coronation. A plot is hatched to restore Richard to the throne.
The Queen meets Richard on his way to the Tower. Richard is sent to Pomfret Castle.
York discovers that his son Aumerle is involved in a plot to kill Bolingbroke. Aumerle confesses to Bolingbroke, and is pardoned.
Exton decides to kill Richard. Richard is killed in prison.
Bollingbroke receives news of his supporters' efforts to defeat his detractors. Exton presents Richard's body to Bolingbroke. Exton is banished. Bolingbroke promises to undertake a pilgrimage to expiate his sins.
