In a state teeming with intrigue as 15th century England was, evidence, whether factual or fabricated, plays a vitally important role in the plots carried out by the nobility. Consequently, evidence has an important role in Shakespearian drama. Throughout the play Richard III, examples of different types of evidence can be found, and these examples, from Acts I through III, constitute some of the major sections where evidence plays an important role in developing the plot of the drama.
An example of the use of evidence in Act I is found in a conversation between George, Duke of Clarence, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester (I.i.52–61). Clarence relates to Richard that the king has imprisoned him because his name begins with the letter G. A “wizard”