King Richard II faces the erosion of his divine authority as his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, orchestrates a political coup to seize the English throne. Driven by a belief in the absolute sovereignty of the monarch, Richard struggles to maintain control against a coalition of disgruntled nobles. The narrative follows the king's descent from power, exploring the psychological toll of his deposition and the shifting loyalties within his court. Written in verse, the play examines the tension between political pragmatism and the traditional concept of kingship.

Discussion often centers on the lyrical quality of the verse and the complex portrayal of Richard as both a tyrant and a tragic figure. Readers frequently highlight the play's focus on the transition of power and the legitimacy of the crown. Critics often examine the contrast between Richard's poetic introspection and Bolingbroke's calculated political maneuvers. The work is widely regarded for its examination of the fragility of political order and the personal cost of leadership.