The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck

Perkin Warbeck

Also known as Peterkin

The name of Jahn Warbeck’s deceased son, later used by Richard, Duke of York, while living in Flanders.

Lord Lovel

A Yorkist noble who protects Edmund and the young Duke of York after Bosworth and fights at Stoke.

Sir Humphrey Stafford

Also known as the elder Stafford

A Yorkist noble who flees Bosworth with Lord Lovel.

Richard III

Also known as the king · the duke of Gloucester · the duke of Gloucester, Richard · Crookback

The Yorkist king killed at Bosworth; father of Edmund Plantagenet and uncle of the young Duke of York.

Henry VII

Also known as the earl of Richmond · Richmond · the new king · Henry Tudor · King Harry · the Welsh earl · the earl of Richmond—the future king · Tudor

The Lancastrian king who defeats Richard III, marries Elizabeth of York, and seeks to destroy Richard, Duke of York.

Sir Humphrey Stafford’s companion

Also known as the other Stafford

An unnamed Yorkist fugitive who rides with Lord Lovel and Sir Humphrey Stafford after Bosworth.

The hermit-priest

Also known as the monk · the priest · Edmund’s foster-father

A former Yorkist knight turned Benedictine monk who raises Edmund in seclusion.

The old woman at the chapel

Also known as the old dame

An unnamed worshipper who sees Lord Lovel arrive at the hermit-priest’s chapel.

Edmund Plantagenet

Also known as Edmund · the young esquire · the young duke · Plantagenet · Sir Edmund

Richard III’s son, raised by the hermit-priest. After Richard’s death, Edmund withdraws into a poor, obscure life of solitude and mourning; he later learns that Monina died before Richard.

The hermit-priest’s twin brother

Also known as the brother

An unnamed former White Rose partisan whom the hermit-priest accidentally killed in battle.

The duke of Buckingham

A duke who opposed Richard III; another duke of Buckingham, son of Richard’s former ally, serves Henry VII.

Elizabeth Woodville

Also known as the queen · the dowager queen · the queen dowager

Edward IV’s widow and mother of Elizabeth of York and the princes; she secretly supports Richard, Duke of York, and is confined by Henry VII.

Edward IV

Also known as the duke of York

Former king and father of Elizabeth of York, Edward V, and Richard, Duke of York.

Edward V

Also known as Edward · Lord Edward

The elder son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, imprisoned in the Tower, where he died.

Richard, Duke of York

Also known as Richard · the young duke of York · Richard the Fourth · the younger prince · the prince · York · Sir Perkin · Don Ricardo · Ricardo · El Muchacho · the White Rose of England · the Burgundian pretender

The younger son of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, secretly saved from the Tower. He becomes a warrior and repeatedly campaigns to reclaim his name and Yorkist claim; he is put to death in 1499.

Lord Stanley

Also known as Stanley

A powerful noble whose allegiance was uncertain at Bosworth; after Richard III’s defeat, he crowns Henry VII.

The earl of Lincoln

Also known as John de la Poole · De la Poole · Lord Lincoln

Richard III’s nephew and designated heir, killed leading the Yorkist rising at Stoke.

Lady Brampton

A Yorkist noblewoman who helps protect Richard, Duke of York.

The duke of Norfolk

A Yorkist noble killed at Bosworth and later attainted by Henry VII.

Sir Robert Brakenbury

A Yorkist ally remembered as keeper of the Tower when Edward V died.

Mynheer Jahn Warbeck

Also known as Jahn Warbeck · Warbeck · the Fleming · the money-lender · John Warbeck · old John Warbeck

A Flemish money-lender who shelters Richard and finances the Yorkist cause; Madeline’s brother.

Robert Clifford

Also known as Robin · Robin Clifford · gentle Robin · Master Robert · Sir Robert Clifford · wild Robin Clifford

A former Tower playmate of Richard who helps him escape, then betrays Yorkist conspirators to Henry VII. He later serves as the king’s informant and captures Richard during the 1497 rising; he dies in a struggle with Richard at sea.

The earl of Warwick

Also known as Warwick · the young earl · my lord of Warwick

The son of the Duke of Clarence and cousin of Elizabeth of York, imprisoned in the Tower. He joins Richard in an escape attempt and is condemned for treason.

Elizabeth of York

Also known as the Lady Elizabeth · the princess · the young queen · Elizabeth · the queen of England · Tudor’s queen · Bess

The eldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville; she marries Henry VII. She comforts Katherine and supports Richard and Warwick.

The countess of Richmond

Henry VII’s mother, who helped arrange his marriage to Elizabeth of York.

Edward VI

A name Lambert Simnel assumes as part of the Yorkist imposture; no separate character is identified.

Sir Edward Brampton

Lady Brampton’s husband, a Yorkist who takes refuge in Paris after Stoke.

The unnamed son of Jahn Warbeck

Also known as Warbeck’s son

Jahn Warbeck’s deceased young son, whose name and expected inheritance pass to Richard.

The courier from the field

Also known as the courier

An unnamed messenger who brings Lord Lincoln uncertain reports from Bosworth.

Richard Simon

Also known as Symond · Sir Priest

A priest and intriguer who serves Elizabeth Woodville, devises Lambert Simnel’s imposture, and is imprisoned after Stoke.

Sir John Gray

Also known as Sir John Grey

A Lancastrian who dies fighting; father of Lady Elizabeth Gray’s older children.

Lambert Simnel

Also known as the impostor · the false-seeming pupil

An Oxford baker’s orphaned son trained to impersonate a Yorkist prince; captured after Stoke and made a kitchen scullion.

Sir Thomas Broughton

A zealous Yorkist friend of Lord Lovel who dies at Stoke.

The unnamed attendant of Madeline

Also known as the attendant

An unnamed woman travelling with Madeline.

Madeline de Faro

Also known as Madeline · the fair Fleming · Warbeck’s sister · Dame Madeline

Jahn Warbeck’s sister and Hernan de Faro’s wife; she protects Richard and later dies defending her daughter.

The unnamed daughter of Madeline

Also known as Madeline’s daughter · the dark-eyed girl · the dark-eyed daughter of de Faro · Monina

Madeline and Hernan’s daughter, Richard’s childhood companion and devoted supporter. She carries Elizabeth Woodville’s message and works for Richard’s cause; she dies before Richard, and Edmund later finds her tomb near Lisbon.

Hernan de Faro

Also known as De Faro · the mariner · the Captain of the Wreck

Madeline’s Spanish mariner husband, who protects Richard and sails to England as captain of the Adalid. He later sails for the Western Indies and is never heard of again.

Arthur, prince of Wales

Also known as Arthur

The son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, whose birth strengthens Henry’s position.

The duchess of Burgundy

Also known as Lady Margaret · the dowager duchess · the duchess · Margaret of Burgundy

Edward IV’s sister and powerful Yorkist supporter who aids Richard’s cause.

Charles the Rash

Also known as Charles of Burgundy

The late husband of the duchess of Burgundy, who fell at Nancy.

Louis the Eleventh of France

Also known as Louis XI · Louis of France · Louis

The French king whose political cunning is contrasted with Charles of Burgundy’s martial rule.

The two infant co-heirs

The duchess of Burgundy’s unnamed grandchildren, who inherit the Burgundian domains after their mother dies.

Thomas Geraldine

Also known as the earl of Kildare

Ireland’s lord-lieutenant who receives Lambert Simnel with princely honours and supports his claim.

The bishop of Meath

An unnamed bishop who crowns Lambert Simnel king of England in Ireland.

Martin Swartz

Also known as Martin Schwartz

A German captain who leads Burgundian auxiliaries and is killed at Stoke; the passage identifies a later Schwartz as his son.

Maurice Geraldine

Also known as Lord Maurice Geraldine

A Geraldine lord who joins the Yorkist expedition and dies at Stoke.

The duke of Bedford

An unnamed duke sent by Henry VII against Lord Lovel during his rising in York.

Lord Dawbeny

Also known as Dawbeny

A noble raised by Henry VII and serving on his council.

Lord Broke

Also known as Broke

A noble raised by Henry VII and serving on his council.

Sir William Stanley

A supporter of Henry VII who tells Elizabeth Woodville she faces confinement and later helps Monina reach Elizabeth of York. He is executed after Clifford’s disclosures.

John Morton

Also known as the bishop of Ely

A bishop and trusted adviser to Henry VII who supported Richmond in exile.

Richard Fox

Also known as the bishop of Exeter

A bishop and private adviser to Henry VII.

The marquess of Dorset

Also known as Lord Dorset

Elizabeth Woodville’s eldest son, who refuses to betray his mother and helps Monina reach Elizabeth of York.

Margaret of Anjou

Also known as Queen Margaret

The Lancastrian queen whose family history is recalled by Robert Clifford.

The charitable friar

Also known as the friar

An unnamed friar who finds and tends wounded Edmund after Stoke.

Stephen Frion

Also known as Frion · the secretary · the Provençal · the Frenchman · Doctor Frion

A clever, ruthless French secretary and spy who serves Henry VII, later conspires with Clifford against Richard, and seeks advantage whichever side prevails.

The Lords Thomas and Maurice Geraldine

Also known as the Geraldine lords

Two Geraldine lords who join the Yorkist expedition; Maurice dies at Stoke.

King René of Provence

Also known as King René

The poetical king Frion served in his youth.

The Mahometan master

An unnamed Muslim master in Africa who favoured Frion and later served Granada’s Moorish king.

Boabdil el Chico

Also known as Boabdil · El Chico · el Zogoybi · the Unfortunate

The Moorish ruler of Granada whom Frion advised; he resists Ferdinand’s demand to surrender Granada.

Sultana Ayza

Also known as Ayza

The sultana with whom Frion mediates after Boabdil’s capture.

Ferdinand

Also known as the king of Spain · the politic Ferdinand

The Spanish king and husband of Isabella, who campaigns against Granada.

Isabella

Also known as Queen Isabella · Isabel

The Spanish queen, wife of Ferdinand, who joins the Granada campaign and speaks kindly to Richard.

El Zagal

Also known as El Zagal, the Valiant

A king of Granada who submits to the Spaniards.

The Sire de Beverem

Also known as the French noble · the noble host

An unnamed French noble whose residence in Lisle shelters Lord Fitzwater.

Lord Fitzwater

Also known as the baron

A partisan of Henry VII who later joins the Yorkist conspiracy and is imprisoned after its discovery.

The page Robert

Also known as Robert

An unnamed, vain and reckless sixteen-year-old page in Lord Fitzwater’s household.

Sir Lalayne

A knight staying with Lord Fitzwater, who proposes introducing him to Perkin Warbeck.

Thomas, the household servant

Also known as Thomas

An unnamed servant in Lord Fitzwater’s household.

Bryan

Also known as Brian

An unnamed large man in Robert Clifford’s service who guides Richard out of Lisle.

Count de Tendilla

Also known as Tendilla

A veteran Spanish commander who knights Richard for bravery.

Diego

A Spanish soldier sent to aid Richard and killed during the fight.

Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon

Also known as the marquess of Cadiz

A Spanish commander and cousin of the abbot who recommends Hernan for military service.

Bartholomew Diaz

Also known as Bartolomeu Dias

A Portuguese navigator who sailed with Hernan on the voyage around the Cape of Good Hope.

The earl of Rivers

Elizabeth Woodville’s brother and Richard’s maternal uncle, who served at Loxa and later died fighting in Brittany.

Almoradi Gomelez

Also known as Gomelez

A Moorish warrior who challenges Richard to single combat.

The Spanish soldier who rescued Hernan

Also known as the soldier

An unnamed soldier who saved infant Hernan from a burning house and brought him to a monastery.

The abbot

An unnamed monastery abbot who recommends Hernan to Don Rodrigo.

Lord Barry

Also known as the baron of Buttevant · the lord of Buttevant · the chief of the Barrymores

An Irish Yorkist noble who supports Richard’s claim and helps him escape the Tower.

Meiler Trangmar

Also known as Father Meiler · the Franciscan · the friar

A bitter Lancastrian friar sent to entrap Richard; he tries to kill him at sea and drowns.

Charles the Eighth

Also known as Charles VIII

The French king who marries Anne of Brittany and welcomes Richard, then sends him to Burgundy.

Anne of Britany

Also known as Anne

The duchess of Brittany whose marriage to Charles VIII brings her duchy under France; she is kind to Richard.

The earl of Desmond

Also known as Maurice · Maurice, tenth earl of Desmond · Claudus · O’Maurice of Desmond · Earl Maurice

A powerful Geraldine chieftain who hosts Richard in Ireland and later helps him escape the Tower.

The earl of Surrey

An English lord falsely reported to support Richard’s return; he refuses to risk civil war.

Meiler Trangmar’s first son

One of Trangmar’s three sons, killed at Prince Edward’s feet.

Meiler Trangmar’s second son

One of Trangmar’s sons, executed on the scaffold.

Meiler Trangmar’s third son

Trangmar’s remaining son, raised amid his father’s hatred of Yorkists.

Sir George Neville

Also known as Neville

A Yorkist who escapes Trangmar’s attempt to extract Richard’s identity and later serves Richard in Burgundy.

Sir James of Ormond

Also known as James of Ormond

An Irish noble whose castle dispute with Kildare sparks armed conflict.

Walter, archbishop of Dublin

Also known as the archbishop of Dublin

An archbishop appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland after Kildare’s dismissal.

Plunket

Also known as the lord chief justice · the chancellor

An Irish official whom Henry VII pardons and promotes to chancellor.

The baron of Portlester

Also known as Portlester

Ireland’s treasurer for forty years, later compelled to resign.

The Butler appointed treasurer

Also known as the Butler

An unnamed Butler appointed treasurer of Ireland in Portlester’s place.

John Lavallan

Also known as Master John Lavallan · the mayor

The mayor of Cork who welcomes Richard into his home and city.

John O’Water

Also known as O’Water · John O'Water

A respected former mayor of Cork and Yorkist supporter who backs Richard’s Irish campaign.

Hubert Burgh

Lord Barry’s foster-brother, who accompanies Richard from Cork to Buttevant.

The prior of Kilmainham

Also known as Keating · the prior · the abbot of Kilmainham

An Irish Yorkist partisan living as a monk at Ballybeg Abbey who directs Richard toward Desmond.

The unnamed Irish girl guide

Also known as the girl · the hapless child

A young woman from a war-stricken family who guides Keating and Richard through Munster.

Macarthy of Muskerry

Also known as Macarthy · the chief of Muskerry

A native chief who makes peace with Desmond after a local war.

The Tanist of Macarthy

Also known as Macarthy’s successor

The unnamed successor to the fallen Macarthy who gathers forces against Desmond.

The White Knight

A Geraldine warrior surrounding the earl of Desmond.

The Knight of Kerry

A Geraldine warrior who leads reinforcements during the fighting at Waterford.

The Knight of the Glen

A Geraldine warrior surrounding the earl of Desmond.

Lord Fermoy

Desmond’s father-in-law and one of his followers.

Macarthy Reagh

A native lord married to one of Desmond’s sisters.

The O’Brien husband of Desmond’s sister

Also known as the O’Brien

An unnamed O’Brien who married one of Desmond’s sisters.

The O’Carrol husband

Also known as the O’Carrol

An unnamed O’Carrol who married the daughter of Desmond’s O’Brien brother-in-law.

The captain of the St. George

Also known as the captain

The captain of the merchant ship carrying Richard from Lisbon, who agrees to take him to Cork.

The mate of the St. George

Also known as the mate

A Lancastrian officer who urges the captain to seize Richard.

The first hireling aboard the St. George

Also known as the hireling who warned Richard

One of Trangmar’s hired men, who refuses to harm Richard and warns him.

The second hireling aboard the St. George

Also known as the other hireling

One of Trangmar’s hired men; his individual actions are unclear.

The boy in the shrouds

An unnamed young sailor aboard the St. George.

Daraxa

Monina’s mare, who recognizes her voice and helps her find wounded Richard.

The abbot of Ballybeg

Also known as the abbot of Kilmainham

The monastic leader Richard hopes to find at Ballybeg; the text identifies him as Keating, the prior of Kilmainham.

Lucas

A French messenger accompanying Stephen Frion from Charles VIII to Richard.

Stephen Poytron

An Englishman accompanying the French embassy to Richard in Ireland.

John Tiler

An Englishman accompanying the French embassy to Richard in Ireland.

The lord of Concressault

Also known as sire de Concressault · Concressault

A French noble who commands Richard’s guard of honour and explains France’s decision to send him away.

The duke of Orleans

Also known as Orleans

A French prince who befriends Richard and visits him when he leaves France.

Maximilian of Austria

Also known as Maximilian · the archduke

The archduke whose authority over the Low Countries is challenged by Margaret of Burgundy’s support for Richard.

Sir John Taylor

An English exile who serves among Richard’s attendants and counsellors in Burgundy.

The unnamed Spanish domestic

Also known as Monina’s Spanish attendant

An unnamed Spanish servant who accompanies Monina in England.

The unnamed merchant friend

Also known as the merchant friend

An unnamed London merchant who lodges Monina.

Sir William Worseley

Also known as the dean of St. Paul’s · the dean of St. Paul's

The dean of St. Paul’s, a sincere mourner for Elizabeth Woodville who joins Richard’s conspiracy and is arrested.

Sir Simon Mountford

An old Yorkist who joins the conspiracy for Richard and is arrested.

Sir Thomas Thwaites

A former friend of Rivers who joins the conspiracy against Henry VII and is arrested.

William Daubeny

A Yorkist attached to Warwick who joins the conspiracy and is arrested.

Sir Robert Ratcliffe

A Yorkist cousin of Fitzwater who joins the conspiracy after living in disguise since Stoke.

Sir Richard Lessey

A former chaplain in Edward IV’s household who joins the conspiracy for Richard.

Master William Barley

Also known as William Barley

An older, wealthy Yorkist veteran who carries the conspirators’ offer to Richard and brings news of arrests.

Sir Edward Poynings

Also known as Sir Edward Poyning · Poynings

Henry VII’s ambassador to Brussels and former friend of Clifford, whom he urges to return to the king’s service.

Doctor Wattam

Also known as Wattam

A priest and Henry VII’s ambassador who tries to turn Clifford from Richard’s cause.

Sir Roger Clifford

An earlier-generation knight said to have confined his young wife while he went to war.

Lady Clifford

Also known as the Lady Clifford

Sir Roger Clifford’s young wife, whom he confined; a former lover reportedly entered her household.

The unnamed former lover of Lady Clifford

Also known as her former lover

An unnamed man who had loved Lady Clifford before her marriage and reportedly entered her household.

William d’Aubigny

Also known as William d'Aubigny

A gallant Robert Clifford offers to distract while Monina and Sir William Stanley leave unnoticed.

The unnamed servant of the Clifford household

Also known as the Moorish servant

An unnamed Moorish servant who accompanies Monina to Robert Clifford’s house.

Sir James Tyrrel

Also known as Sir James Tirrel · Tirrel

A knight commissioned by Richard III to visit the princes in the Tower; Henry VII later imprisons and questions him.

John Dighton

Also known as Dighton

A former servant of Tyrrel who alleges under pressure that Tyrrel was involved in the princes’ murder.

The priest who accompanied Tyrrel

Also known as the attendant priest

An unnamed priest who accompanied Tyrrel when Richard, Duke of York, was carried from Edward V’s sickroom.

The other servant of Sir James Tyrrel

Also known as Tyrrel’s other servant

An unnamed servant present when the princes were separated at the Tower, later unlocated.

Adam Floyer

Sir Simon Mountford’s chaplain, who escapes arrest and carries news of the conspiracy’s collapse to Richard.

Thomas Cressenor

A Yorkist conspirator arrested after Henry VII discovers the plot.

Thomas Astwood

A Yorkist conspirator arrested after the plot is discovered; the passage also names an Astwood among the Tower guards involved in Richard and Warwick’s escape attempt.

William Richford

A Dominican friar arrested for involvement in the Yorkist conspiracy.

Thomas Poyns

A Dominican friar arrested for involvement in the Yorkist conspiracy.

Doctor William Sutton

A Yorkist conspirator arrested after the plot is discovered.

Robert Langborne

A Yorkist conspirator arrested after the plot is discovered.

Sir William Lessey

A Yorkist conspirator arrested after the plot is discovered.

Gilbert Daubeny

William Daubeny’s younger brother, who escapes arrest and reaches Flanders.

Sir Edward Lisle

A Yorkist conspirator who escapes arrest and reaches Flanders.

The unnamed old woman with Monina

Also known as the old woman

An unnamed woman who keeps Monina company while she is concealed near London.

The unnamed attendant of Elizabeth of York

Also known as the queen’s female attendant

An unnamed woman who accompanies Elizabeth of York to meet Frion and Monina.

Urswick

Also known as the courtier-priest

A priest and trusted agent of Henry VII who questions Clifford and helps secure his confession.

The unnamed young prince Henry

Also known as Henry

Elizabeth of York’s younger son and Arthur’s brother.

Christopher Columbus

Also known as Columbus

A navigator discussed by Hernan de Faro; mentioned but does not appear.

The bishop of Durham

An unnamed bishop whom Digby considers consulting about Richard’s presence in the Tower; he later examines Stanley.

Lord Oxford

An unnamed noble who examines Sir William Stanley and later leads the force that captures Katherine. He interprets justice at Warwick’s trial.

Sir John Digby

Also known as the lieutenant of the Tower · the lieutenant

The Tower’s lieutenant who encounters Richard and allows him to leave with Desmond; he later commands the guards who foil Richard and Warwick’s escape attempt.

The unnamed Tower chaplain

Also known as the chaplain

An unnamed priest assigned to comfort Sir William Stanley before his execution.

Fitzwilliam

A person in the Tower whom a guard mistakes Richard for in the dark.

The old gipsy woman

Also known as the old woman · the crone · the sibyl · the conductress

An unnamed leader of the travelling Gipsy band who recognizes Richard and guides him and Monina to Jane Shore.

The fair Gipsy girl

Also known as the fairer girl

An unnamed young woman in the Gipsy band whom Richard approaches for help.

The laughing-eyed Gipsy girl

An unnamed young woman in the Gipsy band who looks favourably at Richard.

The tall Gipsy man

Also known as the handsome countryman

An unnamed man in the Gipsy band who scowls while Richard speaks with a young woman.

Jane Shore

Also known as Jane · the once lovely mistress of King Edward

Edward IV’s former mistress, now impoverished; she shelters Richard and Monina. She later mourns Richard’s disgrace, which she sees as punishment for her part in Edward’s sins.

The inhabitant of Jane Shore’s hut

Also known as the emaciated female

An unnamed woman who lives in Jane Shore’s hut and provides shelter; the text does not establish she is Jane.

The eldest sister of Lord Surrey

An unnamed woman whose marriage to Lord de Walden occasions a tournament where Richard plans to reveal himself.

Lord de Walden

An unnamed nobleman engaged to Lord Surrey’s eldest sister.

Thomas Mowbray

Also known as the last of the dukes of Norfolk of that name

The last Duke of Norfolk of the Mowbray line and father of Anne Mowbray.

Lady Anne Mowbray

Also known as Anne · the little Lady Anne

Thomas Mowbray’s heiress and infant bride to Richard, Duke of York; she dies young.

John Howard

A representative of the Mowbray female line, made Duke of Norfolk by Richard III and killed at Bosworth.

The dowager duchess of Norfolk

Also known as Elizabeth, daughter of the earl of Shrewsbury · Elizabeth, daughter of Talbot, earl of Shrewsbury · the widow of Mowbray, duke of Norfolk

Anne Mowbray’s mother, who recognizes Richard from childhood memories and her daughter’s portrait.

The wife of Lord Surrey

Also known as Lord Surrey’s dear wife

Lord Surrey’s unnamed wife, part of the family he will not risk in civil war.

The children of Lord Surrey

Also known as Lord Surrey’s lovely children

Lord Surrey’s unnamed children, whom he will not endanger by supporting a new civil war.

Lord Audley

A young Yorkist noble who shelters Richard and gathers local supporters for his attempted English landing.

Sir John Peachy

Also known as the sheriff for Kent · the sheriff

The sheriff of Kent who organizes forces against Richard’s landing and detains Clifford.

The unnamed wild-looking messenger

Also known as the wild-looking youth

An unnamed youth who brings Lord Audley and Frion news of the fleet at Hythe.

Corbet

A Yorkist commander who lands at Hythe and urges re-embarkation when faced with a superior royal force.

Sir Patrick Hamilton

Also known as the Scottish cavalier · Hamilton

A Scottish knight who supports Richard and is a trusted kinsman and friend of James IV.

The countess of Desmond

Also known as Lady Desmond · the lady of the noble family of Roche

Desmond’s wife, who welcomes Richard and befriends Monina.

James III

Also known as James the Third

The former Scottish king whose suspicion of his son helped provoke rebellion; he dies during it.

James IV

Also known as James the Fourth · James of Scotland · the king of Scotland · the bachelor king

Scotland’s king, who welcomes Richard and considers supporting his claim against England.

The eldest son of James III

Also known as the prince

James III’s unnamed eldest son, later James IV, placed at the head of the rebellion against his father.

Mary Boyd

Also known as fair Mary Boyd

The laird of Bonshaw’s daughter and James IV’s first love, by whom he has children.

The laird of Bonshaw

Mary Boyd’s father; his personal name is not given.

Lady Jane Kennedy

Also known as Lady Jane · Jane Kennedy

The earl of Cassils’s daughter who attracts James IV’s attention.

The earl of Cassils

Also known as the earl of Cassilis

Lady Jane Kennedy’s father; his personal name is not given.

The concealed son of James IV and Mary Boyd

An unnamed child raised in concealment who later becomes archbishop of St. Andrew’s.

The daughter of James IV and Mary Boyd

An unnamed daughter who later marries the earl of Morton.

The archbishop of St. Andrew’s

The son of James IV and Mary Boyd, according to the passage; his name is not given.

The earl of Morton

An unnamed nobleman who marries James IV and Mary Boyd’s daughter.

The earl of Errol

A Scottish noble who escorts Richard from Leith to Edinburgh.

Lady Katherine Gordon

Also known as Katherine · Lady Kate · our cousin Kate

The earl of Huntley’s daughter and James IV’s cousin; she marries Richard and remains devoted to him. After his death she lives at Henry VII’s court, where she cares for his children and remains faithful to Richard’s memory.

The earl of Moray

Also known as Lord Moray

James IV’s uncle and opponent of Richard’s cause, implicated in a plot against Richard.

Sir John Ramsey

Also known as Sir John Ramsay · laird of Balmayne · Balmayne · Lord Bothwell

A former favourite of James III secretly serving Henry VII; he spies on Richard and joins a plot against him.

The earl of Buchan

Also known as Buchan

A Scottish earl who opposes Richard’s cause and fosters resistance at James IV’s court.

Sir Thomas Todd

A Scottish conspirator named in a plot against James IV.

The bishop of Moray

An unnamed Scottish bishop and James IV’s uncle who supports a plot to kill Richard.

Wiatt

An assumed name used by Robert Clifford while plotting against Richard.

The earl of Huntley

Also known as Huntley · the Gordon · the earl marshal

Katherine Gordon’s father, a powerful Scottish noble who exposes a plot against Richard and protects him.

Andrew of the Shawe

Also known as the seer of the house of Gordon · the prince of seers

A seer whose prophecy that Katherine would become a queen influences her father.

The earl of Angus

Also known as the Douglas

A Scottish noble who displays Douglas forces to James IV and Richard.

Sir Roderick-de-Lalayne

A Burgundian captain sent with German mercenaries to support Richard.

Astley

Also known as the scrivener of Canterbury

A humble scrivener trusted by Richard and Katherine who serves as a loyal attendant. He accompanies Richard during the 1497 rising and worries for his safety.

Don Pedro D'Ayala

Also known as Father D'Ayala · D'Ayala

The Spanish ambassador who persuades James IV to make peace with Henry and stop supporting Richard.

Lord Howard of Effingham

Also known as Howard of Effingham

An English commander Richard expects to meet as Surrey’s envoy, in a scheme to capture him.

Randal of Dacre

Also known as Lord Dacre’s brother

The brother of Lord Dacre, who visits Richard in Scotland but flees south when English Yorkists fail to gather.

The unnamed woman in the burned village

Also known as the woman alone

The sole inhabitant Richard finds in a village ravaged by the Scottish army.

The unnamed aged monk

Also known as the dying monk · Edmund’s father

The hermit-priest who raised Edmund, found dying after a raid; he recognizes Edmund, curses Richard’s cause, and dies.

The unnamed young mother and infant

Also known as the young mother · her infant offspring

An unnamed wounded mother who lays her baby at Richard’s feet before collapsing; the infant is unidentified.

The unnamed yeoman and his wife

Also known as the stout yeoman

An unnamed English farmer whose home is burned and wife killed during a Scottish raid.

The unnamed English prince’s page

Also known as the pretended sleeper · the page

An unnamed page of Richard who poses as the sleeping prince to expose an attempted murder.

Master Heron

Also known as Heron · Sir John Courtney

A bankrupt Cornish mercer and leader among Richard’s insurgents, who imagines himself the son of the late earl of Devonshire. After escaping, he takes refuge at the Priory of Bethlem at Shene and finds Richard on the heath.

Master Skelton

Also known as Skelton

A Cornish tailor who becomes a boastful but cowardly captain among Richard’s insurgents.

Trereife

Also known as Sir Taylor

A disinherited Cornish Franklin’s younger son who served in Flanders and helps discipline Richard’s followers; he is killed during the rising.

Walter of Hornbeck

Also known as Master Walter of Hornbeck

A man whose unpaid, ill-fitting suit from Skelton is mentioned as a source of grievance.

Lord William Courtney

A young nobleman who offers to gather forces against Richard’s landing.

The father of Lord William Courtney

Also known as Lord Courtney

An unnamed nobleman who joins his son in gathering forces against Richard.

The young son of the countess of Desmond

The unnamed son of Desmond who accompanies his mother and Katherine in a procession.

Sir John Cheney

Henry VII’s chamberlain, who brings a large force against Richard’s Cornish rising.

The earl of Devon

Also known as Heron’s cousin

An unnamed earl and cousin of Heron who enters Exeter secretly to aid its defence and is wounded by an arrow.

Clim of Tregothius

A defender of Exeter who shoots the earl of Devon with an arrow.

Clim of the Lyn

Also known as Clym of the Lyn

An outlawed forester serving among Clifford’s men; he advises how to track the forest paths and later offers Richard refuge.

The unnamed hermit of Beaulieu

Also known as the hermit · the chirurgeon

An unnamed former Yorkist who served under Richard in Kent and now lives in the woods. He tends O’Water and guides Richard toward Beaulieu.

Sir Harry de Vere

Also known as Sir Harry

A royal officer leading sixty yeomen of the guard in pursuit of Richard’s party.

Schwartz

Also known as the son of Martin Swartz · the son of Martin Schwartz

A German captain in the service of Margaret of Burgundy, sent with mercenaries to aid Richard in England.

Adam Wicherly

A man who escapes prison and intends to join Richard’s rising.

Mat Oldcraft

A man who escapes prison to join Richard’s rising, is recaptured, and reports celebrations for Richard in Southwark.

Empson

A royal agent who consults Clifford about capturing Richard.

Garthe

A person Empson visits, said by Clifford to call him Wiatt.

The unnamed English peasant guide

Also known as the guide

An unnamed countryman who interprets for a drunken Fleming bearing news of Margaret of Burgundy’s German reinforcements.

The unnamed Fleming messenger

Also known as the Fleming

A man from Lalayne’s company who carries Schwartz’s letter to Richard but arrives drunk.

The old woman at the coastal village

Also known as the dame

An unnamed villager who tells Skelton about sanctuary at Beaulieu and repeats a story about Queen Margaret.

Dragon

Clifford’s exhausted horse, which he spurs away from the forest encampment.

Sir Hugh Luttrell

Also known as Sir Hugh Luttrel

A Lancastrian knight who guards Richard at Beaulieu, then escorts him toward Taunton and delivers him to Henry VII.

Lord Wells

Henry VII’s cousin, ordered to seize Richard at Taunton.

The Lady Cheney

A noble matron ordered to attend Lady Katherine when she is brought to Westminster.

The Lady Howard

A noble matron ordered to attend Lady Katherine when she is brought to Westminster.

The priest struck by lightning

Also known as the priest who read the service

An unnamed priest conducting vespers in Westminster Abbey who is struck by lightning during Richard’s escape.

The keeper who calls for James and Martin

Also known as the keeper with the dagger

An unnamed armed guard of Richard who draws a dagger as Richard escapes from the abbey.

The second remaining keeper

An unnamed guard who follows Richard and the other keepers into the chapel during the storm.

The seaman who gives the password

Also known as the seaman

An unnamed sailor from the Adalid who comes ashore at Southend to collect Richard and his companions.

The chief of the guard

Also known as the chief guard

An unnamed officer who orders Katherine away from Richard during his public humiliation.

The Benedictine lay-brother

Also known as the lay-brother

An unnamed monk at the Priory of Bethlem at Shene who finds the exhausted Richard and brings him to shelter.

The prior of Bethlem at Shene

Also known as the prior

An unnamed prior who informs Henry VII after Richard is brought to the Priory.

Long Roger

Also known as Roger

A Tower servitor who had served the Duke of Clarence and now attends the Earl of Warwick. He arranges clandestine contact between Warwick and Richard and helps organize their escape attempt.

Dame Madge

Also known as Madge

Long Roger’s wife, who cooks food and sends flowers for Warwick.

Abel Blewet

Also known as Master Abel · Blewet

A Tower guard who agrees to help Richard and Warwick escape for a promised bribe and takes a leading role in their plan.

Thomas Paulet

A man Roger recalls as having described the fearful night when the princes were murdered in the Tower.

Hobler

Also known as grim-faced Hobler

A Tower man Roger recalls as being present on the night of the princes’ murder.

Father Piers

A monk Roger cites as calling King Henry VI pious.

Mat Strangeways

Also known as Strangeways

A drunken Tower servitor who joins Richard and Warwick’s escape plan.

The unnamed clerk at Richard’s trial

Also known as the clerk

An unnamed clerk who reads Richard’s indictment and falters when Richard’s dignity overwhelms him.

The chaplain of Ludgate prison

Also known as the jail chaplain

An unnamed prison chaplain who brings Elizabeth and Katherine to Richard’s cell without telling him to avoid raising a hope that might be disappointed.

Sir Thomas Moyle

The owner of Eastwell Place, where Elizabeth of York and Katherine stay years after Richard’s death.

Margaret

A young woman in Elizabeth of York’s family, cherished by Katherine as the betrothed bride of the king of Scotland.