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Richard Rich, also known as Baron Rich, is a secondary antagonist in Robert Bolt's play A Man for All Seasons as well as its 1966 film adaptation. He is based on the historical figure of the same name.
He was portrayed by the late John Hurt, who also played Raskolnikov in the 1970 film adaptation of Crime and Punishment, Caligula in I, Claudius, the Horned King in The Black Cauldron, Percival Graves in King Ralph, Mr. Mole in Thumbelina, Claudandus in Felidae, General Woundwort in the Watership Down television series, Harry in Pride, Adam Sutler in V for Vendetta, King Cotys in Hercules and Sailor John in Thomas and Friends: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
Biography[]
Richard Rich had at one time been an associate of Lord Chancellor Thomas More, but when the latter proved unwilling to employ him in any meaningful capacity, Rich agreed to work with More's enemies to frame him. In particular, Rich conspires with Thomas Cromwell against More, whose approval was required for King Henry VIII to assume the title of Supreme Head of the Church of England. When Thomas More is put on trial for treason, Rich commits perjury, dooming More to execution.
In a famous scene, More refuses to use the power of his office to arrest Rich, who was clearly dangerously ambitious but had not yet broken any laws, and to do so would have been a betrayal of More's principles. As a consequence, More pays for his integrity with his life.
Personality[]
Richard Rich is a conniving and treacherous public official who longs for high status, in contrast to the film's protagonist, Thomas More who lives by principle. Rich casually betrays More in order to secure a career in public office, which he uses to enrich himself.