Act I
King Lear begins as the Earl of Gloucester introduces his illegitimate
son, Edmund, to the Earl of Kent. Lear, King of Britain, enters with his
court. Now that he is an old man, Lear has decided to divide his
kingdom between his three daughters. The division will depend on the
quality of each princess' declarations of love for her father before the
court. Goneril, Duchess of Albany, and Regan, Duchess of Cornwall,
both speak enthusiastically and earn their father's praise. But
Cordelia, the youngest, says nothing because she cannot voice her
deep love for Lear. Misunderstanding his daughter, Lear disowns and
banishes her from the kingdom. He also banishes the Earl of Kent,
who had taken Cordelia's side against the King.
King Lear in China, Universal Shakespeare
This action by the king divides the kingdom, both figuratively and
literally. Cordelia's suitor, the Duke of Burgundy, rejects her once she
is dowerless, but the King of France values her honesty and takes her
as his wife. Lear's kingdom is shared between Goneril and Regan and
their suitors (the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall, respectively). Lear
plans to alternate living with each of them.
Nothing will come of nothing
— KING LEAR, ACT 1 SCENE 1
Act II
Meanwhile, Edmund is determined to be recognised as a rightful son
of Gloucester. By a trick, he persuades his father that his legitimate
brother, Edgar, is plotting against Gloucester's life. Warned by
Edmund that his life is in danger, Edgar flees and takes the disguise of
a Bedlam beggar. Edmund becomes a courtier to Goneril. Goneril
meanwhile grows increasingly exasperated by the behaviour of Lear's
hundred companions who are upsetting her life at Albany's castle, and
she criticises her father.
Kent has returned from exile in disguise and wins a place as a servant
to Lear. Kent accompanies Lear when, in a rage against her criticisms,
he curses Goneril and leaves. Lear goes, unannounced, to live with
Regan and Cornwall who, it turns out, have gone out to visit
Gloucester. When Lear arrives at Gloucester's house to find Regan,
she spurns him and his followers, namely his devoted companion, the
Fool.
Programme for King Lear, 1892
Act III
Despairing for his daughters, and deeply regretting rejecting Cordelia,
Lear goes mad at the height of a great storm. He and the Fool run wild
on the heath until Gloucester takes them into a hut for shelter. He then
seeks the aid of Kent to get them away to the coast, where Cordelia
has landed with a French army to fight for her father against her
sisters and their husbands. Gloucester then leaves and returns home.
Jesters do oft prove prophets
— KING LEAR, ACT 5 SCENE 3
Meanwhile, Edmund is employed as a messenger between the sisters
and is courted by each in turn. He persuades Cornwall that Gloucester
(his father) is an enemy because he has been in touch with France
and helped Lear and when they are turned away by Regan. As
punishment for Gloucester's seeming betrayal, Cornwall and Regan
pluck out his eyes and abandon him. During the act of blinding
Gloucester, a servant stabs Cornwall, who dies. But Regan continues
to rule with Edmund's help.
Act IV
Out in the storm, Lear finds shelter where Edgar has also taken
refuge, still disguised as the beggar. The Fool, the mad king, and the
disguised "insane" beggar become unlikely companions before they
are separated. Edgar finds Gloucester wandering the heath alone and
in agony. Since his father is blind, Edgar leads the despairing man to
the coast and helps him along the journey to come to an acceptance
of his life. Gloucester later meets the mad Lear on Dover beach, near
Cordelia's camp. With Kent's aid, Lear is rescued and re-united with
Cordelia. Gloucester, now reunited with Edgar, dies quietly alone.
Sketch of King Lear, J. M. Wright
Act V
The French forces are overcome by Albany's army led by Edmund,
and Lear and Cordelia are captured. Goneril has already poisoned
Regan in their jealous rivalry over Edmund's attention. Edgar,
disguised now as a loyal knight, challenges Edmund to a duel and
wounds him mortally. Seeing no way out, Goneril kills herself, and the
dying Edmund confesses his misdeeds and releases Cordelia.
However, it is too late to save Cordelia from the hangman. Lear's
heart breaks as he carries the body of his beloved youngest daughter
in his arms, and he dies. Albany and Edgar are left to re-organise the
kingdom and resolve the civil wars.