Why is Richard III so devious in Shakespeare?

Richard III is often depicted as a devious and cunning character in Shakespeare's play because he is ambitious and desires to gain the throne of England. He is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goal, even if it involves murder, deceit, and manipulation.

Here are some examples of Richard III's deviousness in the play:

1) Plotting to Frame Others: Richard falsely accuses his brother Clarence of treason and has him executed, securing Clarence's lands and titles for himself.

2) Betraying Allegiance: Richard pretends to support the rightful heir, Edward, Prince of Wales, but later betrays him and his brother in the Tower of London, eventually killing them.

3) Marrying Anne Neville: To strengthen his claim to the throne, Richard marries Anne Neville, the widow of Edward, Prince of Wales, despite previously slandering her and her family.

4) Wooing Lady Anne: Richard successfully manipulates Lady Anne, whose husband he has killed, into agreeing to marry him by playing on her grief and vulnerability.

5) Eliminating Potential Threats: Richard orders the deaths of his nephews, the Princes in the Tower, to remove potential rivals to the throne.

6) Fabricating Evidence: Richard plants false evidence implicating Buckingham and Hastings, two of his own supporters, in a conspiracy against him to justify their executions.

Throughout the play, Richard III's deviousness is a key aspect of his character, contributing to his villainy and ultimately leading to his downfall and tragic end.