King Richard II is the reigning monarch of England, holding absolute authority which he believes is divinely ordained. He initially presents a calm, impartial exterior but privately reveals poor judgment, greed, and a total disregard for his subjects. His mismanagement of the nation, particularly his excessive taxation and seizure of noble lands, alienates his supporters and sets the stage for a massive rebellion.

Henry Bolingbroke is the Duke of Hereford, the son of John of Gaunt, and King Richard's cousin. Shrewd and practical, he possesses a strong sense of purpose and actively courts the favor of the common people. After being exiled and disinherited by Richard, he returns to England to claim his rightful titles with a highly decisive approach to power.

The Duke of York is an uncle to both King Richard and Henry Bolingbroke. Left as governor of England while Richard is in Ireland, he finds himself torn between his duty to the anointed king and his recognition of the wrongs committed against his nephew Bolingbroke. He struggles to manage the rapidly shifting political loyalties in the kingdom.

John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, is King Richard's uncle and Henry Bolingbroke's father. An aging and sick nobleman, he represents a patriotic pride in England and an older, more honorable order. He speaks bluntly to Richard about the corruption of his reign, warning the monarch that his opportunistic policies will destroy the country.

The Duke of Aumerle is the son of the Duke of York and a cousin to both King Richard and Henry Bolingbroke. He is fiercely loyal to Richard and frequently offers him encouragement when facing the mounting rebellion. His allegiances place him at odds with the changing political tide and his own father.

Thomas Mowbray, the Duke of Norfolk, is a nobleman accused by Henry Bolingbroke of treason and involvement in the murder of the Duke of Gloucester. He fiercely defends his honor and insists on his innocence, accepting a trial by combat to settle the dispute.

Sir Henry Greene is a loyal supporter and advisor to King Richard. He is seen as part of the inner circle that flatters the king and enables his misjudgments, which makes him a target for the rising faction supporting Henry Bolingbroke.

The Earl of Northumberland is a powerful noble who is deeply upset by King Richard's mismanagement of the country. He quickly shifts his allegiance, becoming an early and decisive supporter of Henry Bolingbroke.

The Bishop of Carlisle is a staunch defender of King Richard's divine right to rule. He opposes the rebellion against the king and tries to keep Richard's spirits up when faced with disastrous news.

Sir Piers Exton is a supporter of the new regime who acts on what he believes are unspoken desires from the leadership. He resolves to eliminate a perceived threat, expecting praise for his initiative.

The Gardener works at the Duke of York's estate, instructing his assistants on how to maintain the grounds. He offers a sharp political perspective, comparing the unkempt state of the kingdom to a disordered garden full of weeds and parasites.

King Richard's wife, originally from France, is deeply devoted to her husband. She becomes increasingly distressed as the political situation deteriorates and she learns of Henry Bolingbroke's return and her husband's falling fortunes.

Sir John Bushy is a close friend and advisor to King Richard. He is loyal to the king but correctly recognizes the danger he faces when Henry Bolingbroke returns to England.

The widow of the murdered Duke of Gloucester, she fiercely desires vengeance for her husband's death. She confronts John of Gaunt over his inaction, accusing him of cowardice.

The wife of the Duke of York, she is fiercely protective of her son, the Duke of Aumerle. When her husband discovers their son's involvement in a conspiracy, she rushes to defend him against her husband's wrath.

Bagot is one of King Richard's trusted loyalists. He is part of the inner circle that faces immediate danger when public sentiment turns against the king.

The young son of the Earl of Northumberland, Harry Percy is an early and eager supporter of Henry Bolingbroke's return from exile.

A religious figure loyal to the old order, the Abbot of Westminster begins hatching a secret plot for a rebellion against the new regime.

A nobleman dismayed by the king's taxes and mismanagement. He eagerly joins the rebellion when Henry Bolingbroke returns.

A nobleman who shares the growing dissatisfaction with King Richard's leadership and defects to join the returning forces.

A loyal commander attempting to maintain King Richard's military support in Wales, though he realizes the situation is deteriorating.

A loyalist who has the difficult task of informing the king about the execution of his favorites and the widespread defections.

A nobleman who actively participates in the chaotic accusations at Parliament, pointing fingers regarding the murder of the Duke of Gloucester.