The Tragedy of King Richard III has been called a Senecan tragedy, Tudor propaganda, a development of Marlovian drama, and a historical Morality. Any or all of this may be true, although it seems that at some point these ideas are mutually exclusive. It may be best simply to note how this play and King John differ from other Shakespearian histories. These two among the history plays are distinguished by tough, cynical and realistic with on the part of those whose business it is to maintain the idealized image of monarchy. Their ‘heroes’ have a sceptical and ironical attitude toward themes which are taken with great seriousness in the other histories—among them legitimacy, honour, and the sacredness of blood relationships. They prepare for the great encounter of individuals and institutions in the Henry IV plays.

Richard III is psychologically and philosophically complex. When he speaks of his brother Clarence it is with a blend of feelings and meanings:

It is the voice of a certain kind of intellect, which can take neither Clarence nor heaven seriously. Richard's remark, 'I will deliver you, or else lie for you', is a complex blend of double meanings addressed as much to his own perception of his wit as it is to the unfortunate Clarence, or to the appreciative audience. All three parties concerned are expected to interpret this in varying ways.