This page contains links to the original Richard II full text by Shakespeare.
The language used in Shakespeare’s day is slightly different to today’s modern English, which is reflected in the text. Our article on Shakespeare & early modern English, or our Shakespeare dictionary, will help you to understand the language as you read through the original text
Another thing to bear in mind as you read the Richard II full text are Shakespeare’s stage directions, which are italicised. Stage directions are instructions and direction to the actors, and not spoken lines. Some stage directions can be a little confusing, so have a read of our understanding Shakespeare’s stage directions article.
The script of Richard II is very long, so we have separated the play into it’s original 5 Acts (want to know why all Shakespeare’s plays have five acts?). Click on the appropriate links below to read Shakespeare’s original Richard II full text:
Richard II Act 1, Scene 1
Richard II Act 1, Scene 2
Richard II Act 1, Scene 3
Richard II Act 1, Scene 4
Richard II Act 2, Scene 1
Richard II Act 2, Scene 2
Richard II Act 2, Scene 3
Richard II Act 2, Scene 4
Richard II Act 3, Scene 1
Richard II Act 3, Scene 2
Richard II Act 3, Scene 3
Richard II Act 3, Scene 4
Richard II Act 5, Scene 1
Richard II Act 5, Scene 2
Richard II Act 5, Scene 3
Richard II Act 5, Scene 4
Richard II Act 5, Scene 5
Richard II Act 5, Scene 6
Read all of Shakespeare’s plays translated to modern English >>
Richard II played by Ben Whishaw in BBC’s Richard II adaptation The Hollow Crown
