Question

Which line in this excerpt from act I, scene I, of Richard III is a stage direction?

RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester):

. . . And if King Edward be as true and just

As I am subtle, false and treacherous,

This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up,

About a prophecy, which says that 'G'

Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be.

Dive, thoughts, down to my soul: here

Clarence comes.

(Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY)

Brother, good day; what means this armed guard

That waits upon your grace?


GEORGE PLANTAGENET (Duke of Clarence): His majesty

Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed

This conduct to convey me to the Tower.


RICHARD III (Duke of Gloucester): Upon what cause?

Answer 1

(Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY) .. anything set up like this telling a actor what to do is stage direction.

Answer 2

(Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY)

Step-by-step explanation:

Stage directions usually indicate the movements, positions and tones of the actors, as well as the sound and lighting effects the author considers necessary to execute the play correctly.

In the excerpt from "Richard III," the author William Shakespeare includes stage directions to instruct how the play should be performed. In that respect, he indicates that Clarence and Brakenbury must enter the stage - the former surrounded by guards.