I am not saying that he was a heroic character, but I can totally see why Rich went the route that he did...

This is something about this movie that stands out to me. From the start of the film, More really does casually treat Rich in a very backhanded and disrespectful manner. I mean, for real - when more goes to meet with the Cardinal, he mentions that he has a post available for Rich. Of course, Rich is thrilled by this and waits all night for Thomas to return to fill him in on the details yet only to be disappointed once Thomas mentions it is a teaching job and how he will never offer Rich a position affiliated with the state and how Rich should be content living a humble and quiet life while he himself lives in a mansion on what is essentially his own compound with servants and all. I do not condone Rich lying under oath, but I can totally see why he was angered by the high and mighty and hypocritical ways of More and how he casually and carelessly treated Rich with absolute disregard.