Edgar

Edgar

1. Undergoes significant personal development in the course of the play

   • may initially be regarded as a credulous, malleable (easily influenced)
     • ultimately emerges as an impressively capable figure and a force for good
       • Edgar' like Cordelia, stands out as a model of filial love
         • He remains resilient and optimistic
           • Develops into a character of real substance

2. As the play unfolds, Edgar displays great inner strength and endurance

   • He is optimistic, stoical and resourceful
     • He never succumbs to despair or self- pity even when he is forced "to take the basest and most poorest shape"
       • He is a man of action
   • Edgar's noble and forgiving nature is evident in his desire to cure Gloucester of his self- pity
     • "Why I do trifle thus with his despair is done to cure it"

3. He is extremely sensitive to the suffering of others

   • He is deeply moved by the intensity of Lear's pain:
     • "My tears begin to take his part so much, they'll mar my counterfeiting"

4. Throughout the play Edgar never accepts that life will not improve, regardless of how low an ebb his fortunes may be at

   • "The worst returns to laughter... the worst is not so long as we can say "This is the worst"'

5. KEY ADJECTIVES

   • noble, honourable, virtuous
     • credulous, gullible (initially)
   • resourceful, capable
     • resilient, strong, tough, stoical
   • loving
     • loyal, devoted
       • optimistic, cheerful, positive
       • brave, courageous
     • forgiving, compassionate