tragedy of Richard III lies in the progressive isolation of its protagonist
From the very opening of the play when Richard III enters "solus", the protagonists isolation is made clear. Richards isolation progresses as he separates himself from the other characters and breaks the natural bonds between Man and nature through his efforts to gain power. The first scene of the play begins with a soliloquy, which emphasizes Richards physical isolation as he appears alone as he speaks to the audience. This idea of physical isolation is heightened by his references to his deformity, such as "rudely stampd. ... As he hates "the idle pleasures of these days" and speaks of his plots to set one brother against another, Richard seems socially apart from the figures around him, and perhaps regarded as an outsider or ostracized because of his deformity. ... Thus, we are given hints of his physical, social and spiritual isolation which is developed throughout the play. ... The concept of Richards physical isolation is reinforced in his dealings with Anne in Act I scene ii. ... Despite these insults, she still makes time to talk to Richard, and by the end of their exchange, she has taken his ring and been "wood" by him. After Richard has successfully gained the throne, he isolates himself when he asks the crowd to "stand all apart" in Act IV scene ii. And later, when Richard dreams, he is completely alone. Physical isolation in Richards deformity wins sympathy from the audience as we pity his condition.