CHARACTER GUIDE KING LEAR

In the kingdom of William Shakespeare's King Lear, it's best to know who is a friend and who is an enemy. Otherwise, you may end up in grave danger and blinder than you were before. Learn more about King Lear's own royal family and subjects.

King Lear played by Brian Mani

King Lear is the king of Britain. At the start of the play, he plans to divide his kingdom and rule amongst his three daughters. He is proud at the start, but is forced to navigate his own demise at the hands of his daughters and advisors throughout the play.

Goneril played by Nancy Rodríguez

King Lear's oldest daughter. She is married to the Duke of Albany.

Regan played by Jessica Ko

King Lear's middle daughter. She is married to the Duke of Cornwall.

Cordelia played by Samantha Newcomb

King Lear's youngest daughter. She is banished at the start of the play for not flattering her father enough. She marries the King of France and flees to France with him.

Earl of Kent played by La Shawn Banks

A loyal advisor to King Lear, he stands up for Cordelia and is banished from Lear's court as a consequence. He comes back disguised to help the King, sticking with him through thick and thin.

Lear's Fool played by Josh Krause

King Lear's royal fool. He is loyal to King Lear and often tells harsh truths in the form of jokes, songs or riddles.

Earl of Gloucester played by Jim DeVita

A member of King Lear's court. He has two sons: Edmund and Edgar. Edgar is his favorite son, but soon Edmund manipulates Gloucester to fear him.

Edgar played by Nathan Barlow

Gloucester's legitimate and favorite son. At the start of the play, he is easily deceived by his brother, Edmund.

Edmund played by Rasell Holt

The illegitimate son of Gloucester. He manipulates many, including his brother and father, in the quest for power and respect.

Duke of Albany played by Chiké Johnson (right)

Husband to King Lear's daughter Goneril. He often comes to the defense of King Lear and disapproves of his wife's often cruel tactics.

Duke of Cornwall played by Ronald Román-Meléndez

Husband to King Lear's daughter Regan. He and Regan share violent temperaments.

Lear's Gentleman played by Sam Luis Massaro

He is an attendant to King Lear. He is sent by the disguised Kent to seek help from France during the middle of the play.

Oswald played by Harrison Farmer

He is an attendant to King Lear's daughter Goneril. He is accused of being disrespectful to the King and often acts as a go-between for the sisters.

Curan played by Matthew Lolar-Johnson (right)

An attendant to the Earl of Gloucester. Edmund tries to use him for information.

King of France played by Aaron Allen

He is a suitor of Cordelia. After she is banished by her father, the two marry and flee to France.

Duke of Burgandy played by Triney Sandoval (right)

He is another suitor of Cordelia until he discovers she has been banished and disowned by her father.

French Doctor played by David Daniel

He comes with Cordelia to help heal King Lear.