King Lear

King Lear is the tragedy’s main protagonist. At the opening of the play, Lear is the somewhat vain, misguided King of England who hopes to hand power over to his three daughters and enjoy his retirement in peace. In his vanity, Lear offers to give the most land to the daughter who loves him most, inviting shallow flattery rather than heartfelt affection. As a result, Lear ends up giving power to his two wicked daughters, Goneril and Regan, and banishing his beloved daughter Cordelia, the only daughter who actually loves him. Lear’s main character progression over the course of the play is his descent in to madness and, ironically, his gradual understanding of his own humanity. At the opening of the play, Lear feels powerful, entitled, and is out of touch with his kingdom. Out on the heath, Lear experiences the pain and struggles of...