Character Analysis
Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby
The stepfather of Richmond moves through a good part of this play cautiously endeavoring to avoid offense to Richard without really committing himself. He offers marked contrast to Hastings, whose sense of well-being he never shares so long as Richard lives. Unlike Dorset and others, he does not cross the seas to join Richmond; he waits to see the ultimate turn of events. Placed in a position where he dares not lead his troops in support of the claimant, he nevertheless survives to witness the fall of Richard II and the crowning of his stepson.