Although King Richard II and King Henry V are both highly theatrical figures in their public performance as kings, both monarchs exemplify different "fictions of kingship". In the two plays, Shakespeare effectively conveys the divergent means through which a king can be a bad and tyrannical leader and through which a king can be a good and just leader. King Richard II turns out to be an unsuccessful ruler, because he is too concerned with his own needs and desires and does not display the redeeming qualities of the suitable king. In contrast, King Henry V turns out to be a successful ruler, as his motivations and actions are driven by politics and the general well-being of the common people. Although both monarchs are men of their word, they use their rhetoric for profoundly different purposes. In the contrast between the two men, one can clearly see the defining characteristics that separate the two kings from each other. In Richard II, Shakespeare portrays King Richard II as an unreliable leader. Richard II is very self-centered and neglects to take ordinary people into account when making decisions. Due to his narcissism, Richard ignores the consequences of his actions. One of King Richard's main concerns in the play stems from his desire to acquire John of Gaunt's possessions shortly after his death, saying: "Think what you will, we will take into our hands / His dish, his goods, the his money and his lands." ” (2.1.209-210). Richard demonstrates his relentless motivations to obtain Gaunt's material goods and land as he persistently insists on doing so even after the Duke of York expresses his reluctance. It also showcases his unjust actions, as he conspires to take over his uncle's estate which rightfully belongs to Bolingbroke, as John of Gaunt is Bo......center of card......pours his blood with me / Will be my brother… And will hold their manhood cheap while all speak / Who fought with us on St. Crispin's day” (4.3.58-67). Henry produces strong prose that sets the tone for a victor's fantasy and gives his soldiers the incentive to fight, as he emphasizes that the battle will give them an achievement they can be proud of and honored to be a part of. He also invokes the idea of ​​brotherhood, eliminating hierarchy and placing himself on the same level as his soldiers. Shakespeare's intentions towards the portrayal of both kings are evident, and he is able to successfully convey the contrast between the noble King Henry V and the infamous King Richard II. Both kings are very different from each other and it is essential to compare them to distinguish the characteristics needed to be an honorable ruler.