King Lear Plot Summaries

Front 1

This scene takes place in Lear's palace. The Earl of Kent and Gloucester discuss the upcoming division of the kingdom. Gloucester introduces Kent to his bastard son Edmund. Lear announces he will divide his kingdom, according to how much they answer that they love him. Goneril and Regan oblige, whereas Cordelia truthfully replies "nothing". In his fury, Lear disowns Cordelia and divides the kingdom between Goneril and Regan. Kent attempts to intervene on behalf of Cordelia and is banished. The King of France is moved by Cordelia's honesty and agrees to marry her without a "dowry". As Cordelia leaves, she asks her sisters to care for Lear, who will spend alternate months with them and their husbands- the Dukes of Albany and Cornwall. Left alone, Regan and Goneril plot to rid themselves of the 'infirm' Lear.

Back 1

Act 1 Scene 1

Front 2

This scene takes place in the Earl of Gloucester's castle. Edmund plots to remove his brother Edgar from his father's favour. Gloucester is shown a forged letter in which Edgar plans to take over the estate and is shocked at his legitimate son's behaviour. Edmund then tricks Edgar into staying away from his father, which further makes Gloucester believe in Edgar's guilt.

Back 2

Act 1 Scene 2

Front 3

This scene takes place in the Duke of Albany's palace. Goneril and her servant, Oswald, plan to deal severely with Lear and his Knights, who she complains have grown riotous.

Back 3

Act 1 Scene 3

Front 4

This scene takes place in a hall in the Duke of Albany's palace. Kent has disguised himself as Caius, a poor man, in order to serve Lear. Oswald enters and is rude to Lear who strikes him. Kent trips Oswald, who is then sent away. The Fool arrives to berate Lear for his foolishness in giving away his kingdom.

Goneril, fed up with Lear and his rude Knights, says in order to stay with her and Albany, he must reduce the number of his entourage. Lear is stunned by her cruelty and he storms from her house. Goneril dispatches Oswald to take a message to Regan, warning her of Lear's imminent arrival.

Back 4

Act 1 Scene 4

Front 5

This scene takes place in a court in the Duke of Albany's palace. Upon exiting Goneril's house, Lear is furious and sends Kent (as Caius) with a message for the Duke of Gloucester.

Back 5

Act 1 Scene 5

Front 6

This scene takes place in a court in the Duke of Albany's palace. Upon exiting Goneril's house, Lear is furious and sends Kent (as Caius) with a message for the Duke of Gloucester.

Back 6

Act 1 Scene 5

Front 7

This scene takes place in a court within the castle of the Earl of Gloucester. Edmund tricks Edgar into pretending to fight with him and fleeing. Gloucester falsely is told by Edmund that Edgar wanted him to murder their father. Gloucester banishes Edgar and praises Edmund as his "loyal and natural boy". Cornwall and Regan, who are visiting Gloucester are told of Edgar's deceit and praise Edmund for defending his father.

Back 7

Act 2 Scene 1

Front 8

This scene takes place in a court in the Duke of Albany's palace. Upon exiting Goneril's house, Lear is furious and sends Kent (as Caius) with a message for the Duke of Gloucester.

Back 8

Act 1 Scene 5

Front 9

This scene takes place in a court within the castle of the Earl of Gloucester. Edmund tricks Edgar into pretending to fight with him and fleeing. Gloucester falsely is told by Edmund that Edgar wanted him to murder their father. Gloucester banishes Edgar and praises Edmund as his "loyal and natural boy". Cornwall and Regan, who are visiting Gloucester are told of Edgar's deceit and praise Edmund for defending his father.

Back 9

Act 2 Scene 1

Front 10

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Oswald, bringing Goneril's message to Regan, is attacked by Caius. Cornwall condemns Kent for abusing Goneril's servant and puts him in the stocks. Gloucester offers to intervene on Caius' behalf and Kent draws comfort from a letter from Cordelia, who intends to help Kent recover Lear's kingdom.

Back 10

Act 2 Scene 2

Front 11

This scene takes place in a court in the Duke of Albany's palace. Upon exiting Goneril's house, Lear is furious and sends Kent (as Caius) with a message for the Duke of Gloucester.

Back 11

Act 1 Scene 5

Front 12

This scene takes place in a court within the castle of the Earl of Gloucester. Edmund tricks Edgar into pretending to fight with him and fleeing. Gloucester falsely is told by Edmund that Edgar wanted him to murder their father. Gloucester banishes Edgar and praises Edmund as his "loyal and natural boy". Cornwall and Regan, who are visiting Gloucester are told of Edgar's deceit and praise Edmund for defending his father.

Back 12

Act 2 Scene 1

Front 13

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Oswald, bringing Goneril's message to Regan, is attacked by Caius. Cornwall condemns Kent for abusing Goneril's servant and puts him in the stocks. Gloucester offers to intervene on Caius' behalf and Kent draws comfort from a letter from Cordelia, who intends to help Kent recover Lear's kingdom.

Back 13

Act 2 Scene 2

Front 14

This scene takes place in a wood. Edgar, in hiding, disguises himself as a mad beggar 'Poor Tom O'Bedlam'.

Back 14

Act 2 Scene 3

Front 15

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Lear arrives after not finding Regan at her home and sees Caius in the stocks. He calls for Regan, who refuses to see him. Lear released Kent with Gloucester's help, but is shocked by Regan's cruelty in defending Goneril's actions. Goneril arrives and Lear is humiliated by his daughters who insist he doesn't need any Knights. He curses them and runs off into the stormy night. Regan and Goneril refuse to offer shelter to Lear and lock him out of the castle.

Back 15

Act 2 Scene 4

Front 16

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Lear arrives after not finding Regan at her home and sees Caius in the stocks. He calls for Regan, who refuses to see him. Lear released Kent with Gloucester's help, but is shocked by Regan's cruelty in defending Goneril's actions. Goneril arrives and Lear is humiliated by his daughters who insist he doesn't need any Knights. He curses them and runs off into the stormy night. Regan and Goneril refuse to offer shelter to Lear and lock him out of the castle.

Back 16

Act 2 Scene 4

Front 17

This scene takes place on a heath in a storm, with thunder and lightning. Kent is told by a gentleman of Lear's ousting from Regan and Goneril's houses and being sent outside in the storm. He tells the Gentleman of how the King of France and Cordelia are preparing their armies at Dover and sends him to greet them.

Back 17

Act 3 Scene 1

Front 18

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Lear arrives after not finding Regan at her home and sees Caius in the stocks. He calls for Regan, who refuses to see him. Lear released Kent with Gloucester's help, but is shocked by Regan's cruelty in defending Goneril's actions. Goneril arrives and Lear is humiliated by his daughters who insist he doesn't need any Knights. He curses them and runs off into the stormy night. Regan and Goneril refuse to offer shelter to Lear and lock him out of the castle.

Back 18

Act 2 Scene 4

Front 19

This scene takes place on a heath in a storm, with thunder and lightning. Kent is told by a gentleman of Lear's ousting from Regan and Goneril's houses and being sent outside in the storm. He tells the Gentleman of how the King of France and Cordelia are preparing their armies at Dover and sends him to greet them.

Back 19

Act 3 Scene 1

Front 20

This scene takes place on another part of the heath with the storm still raging. Lear curses his daughters and himself; "here I stand, your slave, a poor, infirm, weak and despis'd old man". The Fool tries to comfort him with singing. Kent discovers them and takes them to shelter.

Back 20

Act 2 Scene 2

Front 21

This scene takes place before Gloucester's castle. Lear arrives after not finding Regan at her home and sees Caius in the stocks. He calls for Regan, who refuses to see him. Lear released Kent with Gloucester's help, but is shocked by Regan's cruelty in defending Goneril's actions. Goneril arrives and Lear is humiliated by his daughters who insist he doesn't need any Knights. He curses them and runs off into the stormy night. Regan and Goneril refuse to offer shelter to Lear and lock him out of the castle.

Back 21

Act 2 Scene 4

Front 22

This scene takes place on a heath in a storm, with thunder and lightning. Kent is told by a gentleman of Lear's ousting from Regan and Goneril's houses and being sent outside in the storm. He tells the Gentleman of how the King of France and Cordelia are preparing their armies at Dover and sends him to greet them.

Back 22

Act 3 Scene 1

Front 23

This scene takes place on another part of the heath with the storm still raging. Lear curses his daughters and himself; "here I stand, your slave, a poor, infirm, weak and despis'd old man". The Fool tries to comfort him with singing. Kent discovers them and takes them to shelter.

Back 23

Act 3 Scene 2

Front 24

This scene takes place in a room in Gloucester's castle. Gloucester tells Edmund of the letter he has received telling of France's preparation for war with England and how Lear was wronged. Seeking assurances from Edmund that he will keep this letter secret, he leaves to search for Lear. Edmund alone, plots to use the letter to ruin his father; "The younger rises when the old doth fall'.

Back 24

Act 3 Scene 3

Front 25

This scene takes place on the heath, before a hovel. Lear, Kent and the Fool struggle into the hovel to seek shelter. Lear feels mortal and humbled by his downfall. Edgar, disguised as Poor Tom comes out of the hovel, frightening them. The Fool, Kent (disguised as Caius) and Poor Tom watch horrified as Lear tears off his clothes, stripping himself of all that he was and descends into real madness. Gloucester enters and is shocked to find the King in such a state, but fails to recognise either his son or friend Kent. He urged Lear to leave Poor Tom in the hovel, but Lear insists he needs his "philosopher". They are led by Gloucester to shelter.

Back 25

Act 3 Scene 4

Front 26

This scene takes place in a room in Gloucester's castle. Edmund shows Cornwall the letter, condemning his father to treason.

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Act 3 Scene 5

Front 27

This scene takes place in a farmhouse adjoining the castle. Gloucester takes Caius, Lear, Poor Tom and the Fool to a farmhouse shelter and leaves them. Lear conducts a mock trial of his daughters Goneril and Regan. Lear's 'wits are gone' and Gloucester enters with news of plots to kill him. He urges Caius to take Lear immediately to Dover and so Gloucester, Kent and the Fool carry him away. Remaining behind, Edgar is greatly moved by Lear's suffering.

Back 27

Act 3 Scene 6

Front 28

This scene takes place in a farmhouse adjoining the castle. Gloucester takes Caius, Lear, Poor Tom and the Fool to a farmhouse shelter and leaves them. Lear conducts a mock trial of his daughters Goneril and Regan. Lear's 'wits are gone' and Gloucester enters with news of plots to kill him. He urges Caius to take Lear immediately to Dover and so Gloucester, Kent and the Fool carry him away. Remaining behind, Edgar is greatly moved by Lear's suffering.

Back 28

Act 3 Scene 6

Front 29

This scene takes place in a room in Gloucester's castle. Cornwall urges Goneril to show Albany the incriminating letter and sends the servants to seek out the traitor Gloucester. Goneril suggests they pluck out his eyes and then departs with Edmund and Oswald. Gloucester is brought in and bound. Taunted by Cornwall, Gloucester is interrogated while Regan plucks his beard. Gloucester vows to see Lear avenged. A servant of Gloucester tries to stop them and draws his sword on Cornwall. The servant dies as Cornwall plucks out Gloucester's eyes. Regan throws him out of his own home, blind and bleeding to "smell his way to Dover." Cornwall has been wounded in the fight with the servant and retires. Gloucester's servants vow to follow and help him.

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Act 3 Scene 7

Front 30

This scene takes place on the heath. Edgar sees his blinded father and offers to help him, still disguised as Poor Tom. Gloucester wishes to be taken to the cliff at Dover in order to commit suicide by jumping off and Tom offers to lead him.

Back 30

Act 4 Scene 1

Front 31

This scene takes place on the heath. Edgar sees his blinded father and offers to help him, still disguised as Poor Tom. Gloucester wishes to be taken to the cliff at Dover in order to commit suicide by jumping off and Tom offers to lead him.

Back 31

Act 4 Scene 1

Front 32

This scene takes place before the Duke of Albany's palace. Goneril and Edmund scheme to be together; "Yours in the ranks of death" and she flatters him while mocking the weakness of Albany. As Edmund leaves, Albany enters and is repulsed by his wife's schemes and behaviour. A Messenger delivers news of Cornwall's death at the hands of one of Gloucester's servants. Albany is horrified to hear of the blinding of Gloucester and vows revenge. A letter from Regan worries Goneril, jealous of Edmund and suspicious that Regan will take him as her new husband. Albany learns of Edmund's treachery against his father.

Back 32

Act 4 Scene 2

Front 33

This scene takes place at the French camp near Dover. Kent learns of Cordelia's reaction to the news of her father; "sunshine and rain at once". He warns a Gentleman that Lear is so shamed by his actions that he will not see Cordelia.

Back 33

Act 4 Scene 3

Front 34

This scene takes place at the French camp near Dover. Kent learns of Cordelia's reaction to the news of her father; "sunshine and rain at once". He warns a Gentleman that Lear is so shamed by his actions that he will not see Cordelia.

Back 34

Act 4 Scene 3

Front 35

This scene takes place at the French camp near Dover. Cordelia, with a Doctor and Soldiers, is searching for Lear. A messenger announces the advancing of the English troops and Cordelia prepares for the battle, vowing to restore her father's right.

Back 35

Act 4 Scene 4

Front 36

This scene takes place in a room in Gloucester's castle. Regan detains Oswald to prevent him carrying a letter from Goneril to Edmund. She implores Oswald to unseal the letter, but he refuses, despite her claims that Edmund is more suited to her than to her sister.

Back 36

Act 4 Scene 5

Front 37

This scene takes place in a room in Gloucester's castle. Regan detains Oswald to prevent him carrying a letter from Goneril to Edmund. She implores Oswald to unseal the letter, but he refuses, despite her claims that Edmund is more suited to her than to her sister.

Back 37

Act 4 Scene 5

Front 38

This scene takes place in the country near Dover. Edgar leading is father, pretends that they are at the Dover cliff top. Gloucester asks him to leave and with a final prayer, blessing his lost and wronged son Edgar 'throws' himself down. Edgar greets him anew, as if Gloucester has miraculously survived the fall and tells Gloucester that the fellow with him at the cliff top resembled a devil.

Back 38

Act 4 Scene 6

Front 39

This scene takes place in a tent in the French camp. Kent has revealed his true identity to Cordelia. Lear is brought in on a chair and is awakened by Cordelia. Humbled by his journey, he is full of remorse; "you do me wrong to take me out o'th'grave". He recognises his youngest daughter "For, as I am a man, I think this lady to be my child Cordelia". In his shame he begs her to forgive him; "I am old and foolish". Lear and Cordelia are reconciled as Kent prepared for the oncoming battle.

Back 39

Act 4 Scene 7

Front 40

This scene takes place in a tent in the French camp. Kent has revealed his true identity to Cordelia. Lear is brought in on a chair and is awakened by Cordelia. Humbled by his journey, he is full of remorse; "you do me wrong to take me out o'th'grave". He recognises his youngest daughter "For, as I am a man, I think this lady to be my child Cordelia". In his shame he begs her to forgive him; "I am old and foolish". Lear and Cordelia are reconciled as Kent prepared for the oncoming battle.

Back 40

Act 4 Scene 7

Front 41

This scene takes place in the British camp near Dover. Regan questions Edmund over his feelings for her sister and reveals her jealousy. Albany and Goneril enter, preparing for the battle against the French. Albany vows to pardon Lear and Cordelia and treat them well. Edgar gives Goneril's secret letter to Albany and swears to return at the Herald's call. Edmund lends his support to Albany for the battle, but when alone considers how he can have both Goneril and Regan. He plots to have Albany killed by Goneril and to prevent the pardon reaching Lear and Cordelia.

Back 41

Act 5 Scene 1

Front 42

This scene takes place in a field between the two camps. Cordelia and Lear with the French make ready for the fight. Edgar leads Gloucester to a safe place and enters the battlefield. They battle and then retreat. Edgar returns to Gloucester to tell him that having lost the battle, Lear and Cordelia have been taken prisoner by the English.

Back 42

Act 5 Scene 2

Front 43

This scene takes place in a field between the two camps. Cordelia and Lear with the French make ready for the fight. Edgar leads Gloucester to a safe place and enters the battlefield. They battle and then retreat. Edgar returns to Gloucester to tell him that having lost the battle, Lear and Cordelia have been taken prisoner by the English.

Back 43

Act 5 Scene 2

Front 44

This scene takes place in the British camp near Dover. Edmund enters with his prisoners Lear and Cordelia who are then led off by the guards. Edmund sends a Captain after with his instructions to murder the King and his daughter. Albany, Goneril and Regan enter, praising Edmund for his bravery. When Edmund refuses to obey Albany's order to release Lear and Cordelia, Albany has them arrested on charges of treason. Edmund agrees to challenge these charges. Regan, feeling sick is taken to a tent, poisoned by Goneril. A Herald sounds the trumpet calling out the charge of reason against Edmund. Edgar, still in disguise, enters to challenge Edmund to a single combat. He sounds Edmund and is about to kill him, when Albany stops him. When confronted with the treasonous letter she wrote, Goneril desperately runs away. As he lies wounded, Edmund demands to know who has challenged him. Edgar reveals his true identity and how his half-brother has wronged him. Edmund admits his guilt; "The wheel is come full circle". Edgar describes how having just revealed his true identity to Gloucester, his father died "twixt two extremes of passion, joy and grief". A gentleman reports that Regan has died of poisoning and Goneril has killed herself with a knife. Kent enters wishing to see Lear and Cordelia, and Edmund reveals he has ordered their deaths. Albany sends for an Officer to stop them, but it is too late. Lear enters with Cordelia dead in his arms. Lear still clings to hope that she is alive. Kent reveals to Lear his disguise as Caius. Edmund is reported as having died, and Albany declares Lear's return to power. Lear, unable to accept Cordelia's death believes she is still breathing and in that moment dies. Albany asks Kent and Edgar to rule with him, but Kent declines, choosing to follow Lear even to the grave. Edgar draws the conclusion to the story, offering some hope I. The despair.

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Act 5 Scene 3