King Lear Summary
Description
Here you will find a King Lear summary (William Shakespeare's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 3 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
Chapters
- Book Summary
- Act 1 Scene 1
- Act 1 Scene 2
- Act 1 Scene 3
- Act 1 Scene 4
- Act 1 Scene 5
- Act 2 Scene 1
- Act 2 Scene 2
- Act 2 Scene 3
- Act 2 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 1
- Act 3 Scene 2
- Act 3 Scene 3
- Act 3 Scene 4
- Act 3 Scene 5
- Act 3 Scene 6
- Act 3 Scene 7
- Act 4 Scene 1
- Act 4 Scene 2
- Act 4 Scene 3
- Act 4 Scene 4
- Act 4 Scene 5
- Act 4 Scene 6
- Act 4 Scene 7
- Act 5 Scene 1
- Act 5 Scene 2
- Act 5 Scene 3
King Lear Summary Overview
The elderly ruler of Britain opts to retire from his rule and evenly split his domain among his trio of daughters. Prior to this, he demands each daughter to express the extent of their love for him. His eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan, respond with insincere flattery, while his youngest and most cherished daughter, Cordelia, remains quiet, unable to articulate her deep love. Infuriated, the king disowns Cordelia. The French ruler, having sought Cordelia's hand in marriage, takes her as his bride despite the loss of her inheritance, and they depart for France without her father's approval. The king soon realizes his grave mistake as Goneril and Regan gradually erode his remaining power. Unable to accept this harsh betrayal from his daughters, the king descends into madness and takes to the wilderness in the midst of a violent storm, accompanied by his jester and the faithful noble, Kent, who is in disguise. In a parallel story, an old nobleman named Gloucester is deceived by his illegitimate son, Edmund, into believing his legitimate son, Edgar, wants to assassinate him. Edgar, to evade his father's subsequent manhunt, disguises himself as a mad beggar named "Poor Tom" and ventures into the wilderness. When Gloucester learns of the king's daughters' treachery, he resolves to aid the king despite the associated risks. Upon discovering Gloucester's intentions, Regan and her spouse, Cornwall, accuse him of treason, blind him, and cast him into the wilderness, where he is guided by his disguised son, Edgar, towards Dover - the same city the king has been taken to. Meanwhile, in Dover, Cordelia arrives with a French army to rescue her father, while Edmund becomes entangled in a romantic web with both Regan and Goneril. Goneril and Edmund plot to murder Goneril's husband, Albany, who is sympathetic to the king's plight. A failed suicide attempt by Gloucester, a victorious duel for Edgar against Edmund, and a tragic sequence involving the deaths of Gloucester, Regan, Goneril, Cordelia, and finally the king himself, leave Albany, Edgar, and Kent to pick up the pieces of a shattered kingdom.
act 1 scene 1
The drama starts with two high-ranking men, Gloucester and Kent, chatting about King Lear's intention to split his reign. Their discussion veers off when Kent asks Gloucester to present his son. Gloucester introduces Edmund, his illegitimate son who lives away from home, expressing deep affection for him. Lear, Britain's king, steps into his royal chamber to declare his plan to distribute his kingdom among his three daughters. He desires to relinquish his governing duties and spend his twilight years visiting his offspring. He challenges his daughters to express their love for him, promising the largest portion to the most loving daughter. Lear's manipulative elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, respond with exaggerated flattery, proclaiming their love for him is boundless. But Lear's youngest and most cherished daughter, Cordelia, remains silent. When prodded, she insists she loves him as much as any daughter should and suggests her sisters' proclaimed love is insincere. Infuriated, Lear disowns Cordelia, giving her share of the kingdom to Goneril and Regan. Kent, a loyal servant to Lear for many years, is the only court official who condemns Lear's actions. He accuses Lear of insanity for rewarding his elder daughters' false flattery and disowning Cordelia, who truly loves him. Lear, in anger, banishes Kent, ordering him to leave within six days. France's king and Burgundy's duke are at Lear's court to propose marriage to Cordelia. Lear informs them about Cordelia's loss of title and land. Burgundy retracts his proposal, but France admires Cordelia's honesty and decides to marry her. Lear sends Cordelia off without his blessings. In private, Goneril and Regan conspire. They recognize their newfound control over the kingdom and agree to further diminish their father's remaining influence.
act 1 scene 2
Edmund walks in, voicing his dissatisfaction about society’s disregard for illegitimate children. He harbors a deep resentment for his half-brother, Edgar, the rightful heir to their father's property. He decides to get rid of Edgar and grab the opportunities the society has denied him. With a view to tarnishing Edgar's image, Edmund drafts a fake letter suggesting Edgar's plans to murder their father, Gloucester. Edmund pretends to hide this letter from Gloucester, who in turn insists on reading it. Edmund cleverly deceives Gloucester with his lies, making him believe that Edgar has malicious intentions towards him, all for the inheritance. Later, Edmund advises Edgar to steer clear of Gloucester and keep a sword handy at all times. Edmund meticulously manipulates the situation to make Gloucester believe that his life is in danger from Edgar.
act 1 scene 3
Lear is staying at Goneril's castle during the initial part of his retirement. Goneril finds Lear's knights to be undisciplined and Lear to be an annoying visitor. She instructs her servants to act impolitely towards Lear and his entourage, aiming to instigate a dispute.
act 1 scene 4
Kent disguises himself as a humble commoner named Caius and manages to enter Goneril’s castle. He cleverly positions himself in Lear’s path and impresses Lear with his honesty and straightforwardness leading Lear to hire him. A noticeable change in attitude from Goneril's staff alarms Lear's servants and knights as they stop obeying their orders. Oswald, Goneril's steward, ignorantly brushes off Lear's inquiry about Goneril's whereabouts and leaves the room. When he returns, he continues disrespecting Lear, leading Lear to physically reprimand him. Kent intervenes on Lear's behalf and trips Oswald. The Fool then enters, using clever wordplay to warn Lear about the error he made by giving power to Goneril and Regan. Goneril eventually confronts Lear herself, insisting his entourage has been causing trouble and must be reduced. Goneril's demands shock Lear and he views it as a betrayal. Despite Lear's outrage, Goneril sticks to her demand of reducing Lear's hundred knights by half. A distressed Lear curses Goneril and in a fit of anger, decides to leave and stay with Regan, who he believes will treat him with decency. Post Lear's exit, Goneril argues with her husband, Albany, who disapproves of her treatment of Lear. Goneril reveals she has already written to her sister Regan, who shares her sentiment towards Lear's knights.
act 1 scene 5
Lear entrusts Kent with a message meant for Gloucester. The Jester continues to taunt Lear over his missteps, predicting that Regan's treatment of Lear will mirror Goneril's disdain. Overwhelmed, Lear pleads with the heavens to spare him from insanity. Followed by his entourage, Lear then departs for Regan's fortress.
act 2 scene 1
At Gloucester's residence, his aide Curan informs Edmund, Gloucester's illegitimate son, about the imminent arrival of Duke of Cornwall and his spouse, Regan. Curan also hints at a potential conflict between Cornwall and Duke of Albany. Edmund, upon hearing this, sees an opportunity to further his plan against Edgar, his half-brother. Summoning Edgar from his hideout, Edmund falsely warns him of Cornwall's wrath and suggests he should escape under the cover of darkness. As Gloucester approaches, Edmund stages a fake fight with Edgar, who flees. Edmund injures himself and manipulates Gloucester by lying that Edgar plotted against his life and even attempted to kill Edmund when he refused to comply. Upon their arrival, Cornwall and Regan are convinced by Edmund's deception about Edgar. Regan ponders if Edgar was influenced by Lear's unruly knights to plot against Gloucester for his wealth. Subsequently, Regan seeks Gloucester's counsel on how to respond to letters from Lear and Goneril.
act 2 scene 2
Kent, disguised as a peasant, encounters Goneril's head servant Oswald outside Gloucester's castle. Unrecognized by Oswald, Kent berates him, calling him a coward, arrogant, and servile, before drawing his sword against him. Oswald's calls for help bring Cornwall, Regan, and Gloucester to the scene. Despite their demands for an explanation, Kent insults them. Cornwall orders Kent's punishment in the stocks, a device that immobilizes a person by shackling their ankles, over Gloucester's objections that it would insult Lear. But both Cornwall and Regan insist, arguing Kent attacked Goneril's servant, and they proceed to put him in the stocks. Alone, Kent reads a letter from Cordelia, who is now in France. She promises to help improve conditions in Britain. A downcast Kent then falls asleep in the stocks.
act 2 scene 3
Kent is resting in the stocks when Edgar steps in. He's managed to evade the pursuit against him up till now, yet fears he'll be trapped soon. He sheds his rich attire, smears himself with grime, and transforms into "poor Tom" (2.3.20). He plans to pose as a vagabond, similar to those set free from mental institutions and are always on the move, in a never-ending search for sustenance and a place to stay.
act 2 scene 4
Lear, the Fool and a knight arrive at Gloucester’s castle. Upon noticing Kent in the stocks, Lear is horrified. Learning that Regan and Cornwall are responsible, he requests to see them. Initially, they refuse to meet him, citing fatigue from their journey. Despite struggling to manage his emotions, Lear acknowledges that illness can alter behaviour. When they finally appear, Lear shares his grievances about Goneril's harsh treatment of him. Regan defends Goneril, suggesting that Lear is growing old and irrational and should apologize to his elder daughter. Lear asks Regan for shelter, but she denies him. Lear's dissatisfaction increases as Goneril arrives at the castle. Regan, who was aware of her arrival, sides with her sister against their father. They advise Lear to accept his advancing age and weakness, and give up half his men if he wishes to live with either of them. Lear, bewildered, agrees to stay with Regan, but is only allowed twenty-five men. He pleads with Goneril to let him keep fifty, but she declines. Things worsen when both daughters refuse to let Lear keep any servants. Feeling betrayed, Lear curses his daughters and storms out into a brewing tempest. Gloucester pleads with Goneril and Regan to bring Lear back inside, but they are indifferent. They order the doors locked, leaving Lear to the mercy of the storm.
act 3 scene 1
A tempest brews on the moor. Kent, who is searching for Lear, encounters one of Lear's knights. He discovers that Lear is nearby, only accompanied by his Fool. Kent shares confidential news with the knight: he has discovered a discord between Albany and Cornwall, and the existence of French spies in English courts. Kent instructs the knight to head to Dover, England's closest city to France, where he might find allies for Lear’s purpose. Kent hands over a ring to the knight for Cordelia, and she will recognize the sender when she sees the ring. Kent departs to continue his search for Lear.
act 3 scene 2
In the thick of the storm, Lear roams aimlessly, challenging the raging weather and continually ranting about his heartless daughters. His mental clarity is questionable as his musings waver, constantly circling back to his daughters' cruelty. His Fool, by his side, advises him to kneel before his daughters and find refuge indoors. Yet, Lear disregards this counsel. Kent stumbles upon them, persuading them to retreat to a closeby shelter. Finally, Lear consents and trails Kent towards the shelter. The Fool concludes with a bizarre and baffling foretelling.
act 3 scene 3
At his castle, Gloucester, filled with anxiety, converses with Edmund. He shares his unease about Regan, Goneril, and Cornwall's decision to abandon Lear in the storm. However, when he suggested aiding Lear, they reacted with anger, took control of his estate, and forbade him from having any communication with Lear. Gloucester reveals to Edmund that he has heard about a dispute between Albany and Cornwall. Additionally, he informs him about a French invasion, with part of the army already in England. Feeling compelled to support Lear, Gloucester plans to find him amidst the storm. He tells Edmund about a confidential letter regarding the French invasion kept in his room, and requests Edmund to divert Cornwall's attention while he ventures out to find Lear. He emphasizes that his absence must not be noticed by Cornwall, or it could cost him his life for treason. Upon Gloucester's departure, Edmund secretly celebrates the opportunity at hand. He intends to betray his father, planning to inform Cornwall about Gloucester's intention to assist Lear and the existence of the incriminating letter from the French. Edmund anticipates inheriting his father's rank, property, and wealth once Gloucester is executed.
act 3 scene 4
Under the raging storm, Kent brings Lear to a small hut. He attempts to persuade him to enter, yet Lear's mental torment makes him oblivious to the brutal weather. Having sent his Fool into the shelter, he kneels and prays, regretting not giving much thought to the poor and homeless during his reign. The Fool dashes out of the hut, terrified of a spirit inside. This spirit happens to be Edgar in his disguise as the madman, Tom O’Bedlam. Edgar acts the role perfectly, lamenting that he's pursued by a demon and hosts evil spirits in his body. Lear, losing his grip on reality, finds nothing odd in these claims. He feels a kinship with Edgar, wondering if he too has been ruined by unkind daughters. In response to Lear's query about his past, Edgar, still in character, states that he was a rich man who indulged in lustful activities and wine. Noticing Edgar’s lack of clothing, Lear, in a show of empathy, strips off his own clothes. Gloucester arrives with a torch, searching for the king. He dismisses Lear’s companions and tries to lead Lear back to the castle, risking the wrath of Regan and Goneril. Eventually, Kent and Gloucester manage to convince Lear to follow Gloucester. However, Lear insists that Edgar, who he has grown fond of, accompany them.
act 3 scene 5
In Gloucester's fortress, Cornwall, incensed over Gloucester's secret alliance with the French, plans retribution. This information was relayed to Cornwall by Edmund, who feigned shock at his father's treachery, even though he's actually thrilled. With Cornwall now as an ally, Edmund is given the title of Earl of Gloucester. Edmund is tasked with locating Gloucester and he strategizes that finding his father aiding Lear would be the perfect way to affirm Cornwall's suspicions.
act 3 scene 6
Gloucester, Kent, Lear, and the Fool seek refuge in a modest structure on Gloucester’s land. Gloucester departs to gather supplies for Lear. In the meantime, Lear, displaying signs of increasing madness, conducts a fake trial of his malicious daughters, with Edgar, Kent, and the Fool acting as judges. Both Edgar and the Fool behave erratically, and the trial is a display of delusion and bizarre behavior. Gloucester returns in haste to inform Kent of a conspiracy to assassinate Lear. Urging swift action, Gloucester pleads with Kent to move Lear to Dover in southern England, where friends will be ready to aid him. Gloucester, Kent and the Fool depart, leaving Edgar alone for a while. Edgar reflects aloud, his true voice revealing that witnessing Lear’s greater misery has made him feel his own troubles are less significant.
act 3 scene 7
Inside Gloucester’s castle, Cornwall hands over a letter about the French army at Dover to Goneril, instructing her to show it to Albany. He then orders the capture of Gloucester for punishment and sends Edmund with Goneril to Albany’s castle to spare him from witnessing his father's punishment. Word arrives that Gloucester helped Lear escape to Dover. Upon his capture, Gloucester is mistreated by Regan and Cornwall, who comment he can't be killed without a trial, but they can inflict severe punishment on him. Gloucester confesses to aiding Lear’s escape and swears to seek justice for Lear's ill-treatment. In response, Cornwall gouges out one of Gloucester’s eyes. A servant attempts to intervene, leading to a fight with Cornwall that leaves Cornwall wounded. Regan, however, intervenes and kills the servant. Angered, Cornwall then takes out Gloucester’s other eye. Blind Gloucester calls for his son Edmund, but Regan reveals Edmund was the one who betrayed him. Gloucester, realizing Edgar's loyalty, regrets his past actions and prays for Edgar's safety. Regan and Cornwall order Gloucester to be thrown out of the castle. As Cornwall bleeds heavily from his wound, he leaves with Regan's help. Alone with Gloucester, the servants are horrified at the cruelty they've witnessed. They decide to tend to Gloucester’s wounds and leave him in the care of a mad beggar to guide him from there.
act 4 scene 1
Edgar, alone on the heath, considers his luck to be not so terrible until he witnesses his father Gloucester, now blind. An elderly tenant, loyal to Gloucester and his ancestor for eight decades, guides the blind man. Upon hearing his father express a deep longing to meet him once more, even at the cost of his sight, Edgar decides to stay hidden in his Poor Tom disguise. Gloucester requests the old servant to fetch clothes for Tom and for Tom to guide him to Dover. In particular, Gloucester wishes to be taken to the top of the highest cliff. Edgar consents to this.
act 4 scene 2
Goneril and Edmund reach her palace, with Goneril confused by Albany's absence. Oswald reports Albany's displeasure at Goneril and Regan's actions, his happiness about the French army's arrival, and his disappointment at Goneril's return. This leads Goneril to understand that Albany is no longer on her side. She disapproves of his lack of courage and decides to take more control over his army. She tasks Edmund to prepare Cornwall's troops to face the French, informing him that she will also be taking more power from her husband. She hints at a potential romantic relationship with Edmund as she bids him farewell. Upon Edmund's departure, Albany confronts Goneril. Unaware of Gloucester's blinding, he is furious about Lear's madness caused by Goneril and Regan's mistreatment. Goneril retorts, calling him a coward, and urges him to ready for battle against the French. Albany, in return, labels her as evil for her treatment of Lear. News reaches them about Cornwall's death due to his injuries from Gloucester's blinding. Albany is horrified by Gloucester's treatment, viewing Cornwall's death as a divine punishment. Goneril, however, has mixed emotions about Cornwall's death, seeing it as a means for Regan to lose power but also as an opportunity for Regan to pursue Edmund. She leaves to respond to Regan's letters. Albany seeks to know Edmund's whereabouts during Gloucester's blinding. Upon learning about Edmund's betrayal and his deliberate absence during Gloucester's punishment, Albany vows to avenge Gloucester and punish Edmund.
act 4 scene 3
Kent, under the disguise of a common servant, converses with a man in the French camp near Dover. The man informs him that the French king arrived with his forces but had to quickly leave due to a domestic issue. Cordelia, now the queen of France, received Kent's letters and is in command of the army. When Kent inquires about Cordelia's response to the letters, the man shares a poignant description of her grief upon learning of her father's poor treatment. Kent updates the man that Lear, who is alternately lucid and insane, has reached Dover safely. But Lear refuses to meet Cordelia, filled with guilt about his past behavior towards her. The man shares that the armies of Albany and the deceased Cornwall are advancing, presumably to engage the French forces.
act 4 scene 4
Cordelia comes on the scene, guiding her troops. She finds Lear hidden in a cornfield, adorned in weeds and flowers, singing to himself in a delusional state. She dispatches a hundred troops to retrieve Lear. Worried about his mental state, Cordelia discusses Lear's recovery with a doctor. The doctor suggests he needs rest and prescribes sedatives. Suddenly, a courier delivers news of an advancing British army from Cornwall and Albany. However, Cordelia anticipated this and her forces are prepared for battle.
act 4 scene 5
At Gloucester's residence, Oswald informs Regan that Albany's forces have started to move, albeit reluctantly on Albany's part. Goneril is viewed as a more competent warrior than Albany. Regan is interested in the letter Oswald has from Goneril for Edmund but he denies her access to it. Regan suspects the letter is about Goneril and Edmund's secret romance and openly admits her desire to win Edmund's heart. Regan hints she has discussed this with Edmund, suggesting it's more practical for him to be with her, a widow, than Goneril, as it would be considered adultery. She hands Oswald a token or letter (it's not clear which) to give to Edmund whenever he finds him. Lastly, she pledges a reward to Oswald if he can locate and eliminate Gloucester.
act 4 scene 6
Edgar, undercover, guides Gloucester to Dover. He tricks Gloucester into thinking they are at the edge of a cliff. Gloucester, overwhelmed by his pain, tries to end his life by falling, but only faints. Edgar revives him, continuing to hide his real identity. He convinces Gloucester that he survived the fall from the supposed cliff due to divine intervention and that the devil, not a human, was his companion. Gloucester believes Edgar and decides to endure his hardships with patience. Lear, now mentally unstable and adorned with wildflowers, comes across Edgar and Gloucester. He speaks in confusing, yet insightful statements. Recognizing Gloucester, Lear criticizes his adulterous past, then launches into a rant against women and sexuality, growing increasingly incoherent. Cordelia's followers find Lear and attempt to take him to her, but he flees. Edgar and Gloucester encounter Oswald, who intends to kill Gloucester for a reward from Regan. Unidentified by Oswald, Edgar adopts a West country accent and successfully defends Gloucester, killing Oswald. Oswald's dying act is to hand Edgar his letters. Gloucester expresses disappointment at being alive. Edgar reads a letter from Goneril to Edmund, proposing Albany's murder so they can be together. Edgar, appalled, decides to use the letter against Goneril at the right time. He then buries Oswald and escorts Gloucester to safety.
act 4 scene 7
Cordelia chats with Kent at the French base. She's aware of his true identity, but he wants to keep it hidden from others. Lear is brought in from his slumber to Cordelia; although his recognition of her is vague. He confesses his mental instability and mistakenly believes Cordelia bears ill intent toward him, similar to her sisters. Cordelia assures him of her forgiveness for his past actions. News about Cornwall's demise circulates in the camp and it is revealed that Edmund has assumed command of Cornwall's forces. The impending battle between France and England is drawing near.
act 5 scene 1
Near Dover, in the British camp, Regan quizzes Edmund about his feelings for Goneril and their relationship status. His denial satisfies her, as she feels threatened by Goneril. However, her relief is short-lived as Goneril and Albany make an abrupt appearance. Albany discusses the alliance of Lear and the French army, and despite empathizing with Lear's cause, he affirms his dedication to fight against the foreign intrusion alongside Edmund, Regan, and Goneril. Tensions rise as Regan and Goneril vie for Edmund's attention, leading to a united departure. Edgar, adopting a peasant disguise, intercepts Albany as he is about to leave. He hands over a letter from the deceased Oswald disclosing Goneril’s clandestine affair with Edmund and her murderous scheme against Albany. Edgar instructs Albany to summon him with a trumpet post-battle if he needs a champion to contest the letter's accusations. Edmund returns as Edgar disappears, informing Albany that the battle is imminent. Left alone, Edmund confesses his dual love declaration to both sisters. He postpones his choice between them, fearing a backlash from the rejected sister. Edmund ominously suggests that Goneril may eliminate Albany, if he survives the conflict. He also grimly affirms his intent to be ruthless with Lear and Cordelia if they fall into his captivity post-victory.
act 5 scene 2
The fight commences. Edgar, in rustic attire, guides Gloucester to the safety of a tree before joining the battle on Lear’s team. He quickly comes back, proclaiming that Lear’s team was defeated and both Lear and Cordelia have been apprehended. Gloucester decides to remain there, ready to be seized or slain, but Edgar convinces him that everyone's time of death is predetermined. Persuaded, Gloucester accompanies Edgar.
act 5 scene 3
Edmund brings Lear and Cordelia in as captives. Cordelia anticipates facing Regan and Goneril, but Lear resists strongly. He paints a picture of a dream where he and Cordelia live isolated, like birds in a cage, hearing about the world but unseen by anyone. Edmund dispatches them, delivering a note with instructions to their guard. The note's content is unknown to the audience, but Edmund's words feel threatening. The guard consents to obey Edmund. Albany arrives with Goneril and Regan. He lauds Edmund for his heroic combat in the British war and demands to see Lear and Cordelia. Edmund deceives Albany by saying he sent Lear and Cordelia away due to a fear of them inciting sympathy and potential rebellion among the British troops. Albany scolds Edmund for overstepping his place, but Regan interrupts to express her intention to wed Edmund. Goneril contradicts Regan, stating Edmund will not be her husband, but Regan, now feeling unwell, asserts Edmund as her future spouse and master. Albany steps in, accusing Edmund of treason. He challenges Edmund to prove his innocence in a duel and calls for his warrior. As the sickening Regan is escorted to Albany’s tent, Edgar, fully armed, accuses Edmund of treason and challenges him to a duel. Edgar overcomes Edmund, and Albany instructs him to keep Edmund alive for interrogation. Goneril attempts to assist Edmund, but Albany reveals a deceitful letter proving her plot against him. Goneril hastily departs. Edgar removes his helmet, disclosing his identity. He makes peace with Albany and recounts how he disguised himself as a madman and helped Gloucester navigate the countryside. He shares the revelation of his identity to his father right before the fight with Edmund, and Gloucester's mixed emotions led to his death. A man enters with a bloody knife, reporting Goneril's suicide and poisoning of Regan. The two bodies are brought in and displayed. Kent arrives, seeking Lear. Albany, petrified, remembers the imprisonment of Lear and Cordelia and demands Edmund disclose their location. Edmund regrets his wrongdoings and resolves to do right before his death. He confesses Cordelia’s hanging and sends a messenger in an attempt to stop it. Lear walks in, holding the lifeless Cordelia: the messenger was too late. Lear mourns for Cordelia, slipping between sanity and madness. Kent attempts to converse with Lear, but Lear barely acknowledges him. Another messenger arrives, informing them of Edmund's death. Lear requests Edgar to loosen Cordelia’s clothing, and just as Lear thinks he sees Cordelia breathing, he passes away. Albany restores Edgar and Kent’s authority, proposing they rule with him. Kent, feeling his end is near, declines, but Edgar seems to agree. The remaining survivors leave sorrowfully, accompanied by a funeral march.
