lear synopsis

Act 1 Scene 1

Lear divides his kingdom, disowns Cordelia, banishes Kent, and Edmund's resentment is introduced.

Act 1 Scene 2

Edmund deceives Gloucester into suspecting Edgar.

Act 1 Scene 3

Goneril plans to undermine Lear's authority.

Act 1 Scene 4

Goneril reduces Lear's retinue and Lear begins to lose authority.

Act 1 Scene 5

Lear reflects on his mistakes and fears madness.

Act 2 Scene 1

Edmund frames Edgar as a traitor.

Act 2 Scene 2

Kent is placed in the stocks.

Act 2 Scene 3

Edgar disguises himself as Poor Tom.

Act 2 Scene 4

Goneril and Regan unite against Lear.

Act 3 Scene 1

Kent reveals political unrest and French support for Lear.

Act 3 Scene 2

Lear rages against the storm on the heath.

Act 3 Scene 3

Gloucester resolves to help Lear.

Act 3 Scene 4

Lear develops empathy and insight through suffering.

Act 3 Scene 5

Edmund betrays Gloucester to Cornwall.

Act 3 Scene 6

Lear holds a mock trial of his daughters.

Act 3 Scene 7

Gloucester is blinded by Cornwall.

Act 4 Scene 1

Blind Gloucester is led by Edgar and gains insight.

Act 4 Scene 2

Albany condemns Goneril and Regan's cruelty.

Act 4 Scene 3

Cordelia learns of Lear's suffering.

Act 4 Scene 4

Cordelia prepares to rescue Lear.

Act 4 Scene 5

Regan and Goneril compete for Edmund.

Act 4 Scene 6

Edgar prevents Gloucester's suicide and Lear shows newfound wisdom.

Act 4 Scene 7

Lear and Cordelia reconcile.

Act 5 Scene 1

Edmund manipulates both sisters as war approaches.

Act 5 Scene 2

The battle begins and Lear's forces are defeated.

Act 5 Scene 3

Edmund is defeated, Cordelia dies, Lear dies, and Edgar inherits responsibility for the kingdom.