Blood Ties
Richard shows no loyalty to his family and disregards any blood ties. Richard’s brother Clarence believes his brother is loyal and does not realize that Richard has organized his imprisonment and murder.
Before he dies, Edward IV makes Richard Lord Protector because he trusts his brother. Lord Protector is a powerful role that is given to an adult member of the family when the heir to the throne is too young to rule. Richard abuses this role and uses his position of power to further betray his family.

Richard claims his nephews are illegitimate to strengthen his own claim to the throne and weaken the young heirs’ position. After Richard has been made king, he has both his nephews murdered, the ultimate betrayal of his brother’s trust.

Women and Marriage
Marriages are used to strengthen political positions in the play. Richard first marries Lady Anne and then has her killed when she is no longer useful to him. He then tries to marry his niece, Princess Elizabeth. He thinks that marrying King Edward IV’s daughter will strengthen his position as king.

When women become widows in the play, they lose much of their influence and power. After King Edward IV dies, Queen Elizabeth is powerless to stop Richard murdering her brother and her sons. Richard’s own mother curses him for his actions and wishes she had strangled him at birth.