"Alas, I rather hate myself, for hateful deeds committed by myself, I am a villain; yet I lie, I am not" (Act V.3 Lines 189 to 191). Evil and deceit are inherent in Richard III. A deformed hunchback whose image is somewhat unpleasing to the eye, Richard feels that he cannot be a passionate, loving human being, therefore, he is determined to be evil. Therefore to gain the throne, Richard feels it necessary to be evil. His deformity is an excuse for choosing to be evil and taking on the villain role. "And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days" (Act 1 Line 28 to 31).
             Although Richard is unpleasing to the eye, he is very suave in his words. This is demonstrated in Act 1 where he seduces Lady Anne and persuades her into marrying him. She is in a vulnerable state of mind mourning the death of her father. Therefore, Richard takes full advantage. Here evil is disguised as something kind and concerning. Richard is compared to the god, Proteus and to that of a chameleon. He is seen as an evil conqueror and murderer, but when the need arises, he appears to be a loving and kind man, such as with Lady Anne. "Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape and with a virtuous visor hide deep vice! (Act II.2, Lines 27and 28) It is also seen when Richard has two murders enter the tower to stab Clarence. One tells him of Richard's hatred towards him, but Clarence answers back, "O do not slander him, for he is kind (Act 1.4 Line 229). "It cannot be, for he is wept my fortune, and hugged me in his arms, and swore with sobs, that he would labor my delivery." (Act 1.4, Lines 232 to 234)
             Evil villains and those that portray to be evil resemble those that are vain and self-centered. Mirrors and shadows are often illustrated through the play and represent vainness and cold-heartedness. At one point Richard embellishes his reflection i...