Summary

Scene One

Gloucester’s servant informs Edmund that the Duke of Cornwall and his wife, Regan, are coming to Gloucester’s palace that night. Edmund is excited because he sees yet another way to manipulate his father and brother. He calls Edgar out of his hiding place and tells him that Cornwall has heard about Edgar’s allegiance with Albany (Goneril’s husband) and that he is angered by Edgar’s friendship. Edmund claims that Cornwall and Albany are in a fight, and that Albany plans to take his frustrations out on Edgar. Of course Edgar has no idea what Edmund is talking about, but it sounds serious enough to heed Edmund’s warning to hide further afield. When Edmund hears Gloucester approaching, he draws his sword and pretends to fight his brother, urging Edgar to run and hide. As Gloucester walks through...