King Lear is a relatable character and gains the reader’s sympathy. King Lear starts on the wrong foot with the audience, as he creates a love contest between his daughters to prove who “love us most”. The audience slowly comes round to his side as he realises “I did her wrong-” and “..you have some cause”. Initially the audience does not sympathise with King Lear because he valued people by their ability to flatter him, not their hard work or loyalty, which the reader wants to be judged by. However the reader’s opinion is slowly changed as King Lear realises his flaws. He comes to understand that he acted rashly and regrets his treatment of Cordelia. This is relatable for audiences as everyone has mistakes, which they later regretted. Furthermore,
