Characters in King Lear

Characters in King Lear

1. KING LEAR

   • CENTRAL CHARACTER
     • position of immense power --> complete vulnerability
     • multi - faceted
       • range of emotions - arrogance + rage --> vulnerability and regret
     • Flaws - more relatable
       • make him human
         • provokes sympathy and frustration from audience
   • PRIDE AND POOR JUDGEMENT
     • Tragic Flaw: excessive Pride and hubris
       • Madness - his downfall
         • goes from powerful authority toand old mad king w no authority
       • demands declarations of love from his daughters
     • Decision to divide kingdom - impulsive and short-sighted
       • fails to see the consequences of relinquishing power
         • 'HOW, NOTHING WILL COME OF NOTHING'
       • Misjudges characters of G + R
   • POWER AND AUTHORITY
     • his loss of power (politically and personally) is what the play is centered around
     • Must have been a powerful, well liked king
       • Devoted supporters who stand by him thruought play
         • Kent, Gloucester, Fool
     • Subplot parallels Lears - theme of destructive nature of unchecked power
   • MADNESS
     • Descent into madness - pivotal aspect
       • 'YOU SEE HOW FULL OF CHANGE HIS AGE IS'
     • Heath Scene
       • symbolizes turmoil within Lears mind
         • grappling with own mistakes and harsh realities of life
       • 'BLOW WIND AND CRACK YOUR CHEEKS!'
       • Shows how far he has fallen due to hubris, temper,and pride
   • SYMBOLISM
     • sight and blindness
       • Lears journey from blindness to insight (found in madnesss)
     • Pagan references
       • lear constantly references the Gods
         • Hecate and Apollo
           • Pagan
         • influence of non - traditional beliefs in play
           • Fortunes Wheel
   • 'IAM A MAN MORE SINNED AGAINST THAN SINNING'