Act I begins with a monologue from the Common Man. He addresses the audience directly, reminding them that they are watching a piece of theater. The Common Man questions his role in the Prologue of the play, suggesting a king or a cardinal would be better suited to the task. He dons the costume of Sir Thomas More’s steward, Matthew. More, a powerful English lawyer, talks with Richard Rich. Rich, a younger lawyer, desires a position of importance; he wants to work for Cardinal Wolsey. More advises him to become a teacher instead of getting involved in politics. Rich hopes that friendship with More will land him an important job. More gives Rich a silver cup; it was given to him by a woman as a bribe, and he wants to be rid of it. 

The Duke of Norfolk arrives, followed by Lady Alice, More’s wife, and Margaret, More’s daughter. Rich tries to ingratiate himself with Norfolk, who ignores him. When Rich says that he knows Thomas Cromwell, Norfolk announces that Cromwell has just become Cardinal Wolsey’s secretary. Rich admits that he likes Cromwell, and More suggests that he ask Cromwell for a job if that is the case.