Richard is a solipsistic protagonist who expresses his art of manipulation specifically in scene 2. Richard’s insanity is emphasized in his soliloquy preceding his confrontation with Lady Anne. Throughout this passage, we see him gratify himself for his demonical manipulation. He is completely self-consumed and shows no remorse for his heinous crimes. In relation to his wooing of Lady Anne, he remarks, “I’ll have her, but not keep her long.” This quote encapsulates his deceiving character that consists of no harmony but rather derogatory philosophies that are expressed in rather perilous fashion. Despite the vulnerable situation he is placed in whilst Lady Anne curses him, Richard meticulously coerces Lady Anne through flattering comments such as “gentle Lady Anne” and “divine perfection of a women.” Despite the fact he is playing with fire, Richard continues to invest confidence in his own manipulation skills. Moreover, Richard manifested to his audience the obscenity and immoral nature of his thinking when he intricately explains his content in relation to the events that had just unfolded. He refers to his achievement at the hands of merely “the plain devil and dissembling looks?” Essentially, he is commending himself for making a mockery of Lady Anne. He is complimenting himself for his successful manipulation despite the fact he was playing with fire.
Richard's skill at manipulating everyone around him is key to his success. He makes it evident that his ability to manipulate those around him brings him contentment and joy. This further validates his
