Introduction The following version of King Lear is based on the text in the authoritative Oxford Edition of Shakespeare's works, edited by W. The text numbers the lines, including those with stage directions such as "Enter" and "Exit.
King of England and the main character, or protagonist. He is a headstrong old man who is blind to his weaknesses and misjudges his three daughters, believing that the two evil daughters have his best interests at heart and that his good and selfless daughter opposes him. He undergoes great suffering that opens his eyes and ennobles his character. Whether there was a historical Lear is uncertain. Selfish, greedy daughters of Lear who pretend to love him when he announces that he will gives them shares of his kingdom.
Later, they treat him cruelly. Loyal and unselfish daughter of Lear. He disowns her after confusing her honesty with insolence. She continues to love her father in spite of his rejection of her. He decides to reject her after Lear disowns her. He marries her even though Lear has disowned her.
Regan's husband, who is just as cruel as she is. He turns against her when he realizes that she is an evil schemer. True and honest friend of Lear who remains loyal even after the king banishes him.
Old man who suffers from many of the same faults as Lear. Like Lear, he is old and self-important; like Lear, he misjudges his children and undergoes suffering that makes him a better man. However, Gloucester is less forceful and demanding than Lear and more given to compromise. Such qualities make him a foil of Lear.
