King Lear - Character Analysis - Gloucester

Question 1

Who is Gloucester

Answer 1

Father to Edmund and Edgar
Edmund is illegitimate
Edgar is legitimate
Confidant of Lear

Question 2

What are some of Gloucester’s character traits

Answer 2

Loyal to Lear 
Parallel to Lear as he is also betrayed by a child 
Similar personality to Lear but built on a smaller scale 
Easy - going but prone to deceit 
Wants everyone to get along 
Non confrontational
Adulterer
Pleasant and good natured

Question 3

What adjectives describe Gloucester

Answer 3

Insensitive
Superstitious
Gullible
Irresponsible
Easy going
Good natured
Hasty 
Cautious
Unheroic
Loyal

Question 4

What are some of Gloucester’s key moments in act 1 + 2

Answer 4

Falls for Edmonds lies when he forged the letter
Believes Edmund when he says Edgar tried to kill him
Runs after Lear after Lear goes into the storm
Stick up for Lear when regan puts Kent into the stocks

Question 5

What quote backs up his foolish nature

Answer 5

“This villain of mine comes under the prediction; there’s son against father. The kings falls from bias nature: there’s father against child. We have seen the best of our time” - Gloucester (act 1 scene 2)

Question 6

What quotes shows that Gloucester is fooled by Edmund

Answer 6

“Loyal and natural boy, I’ll work the means to make thee capable.” - Gloucester (act 2 scene 1)

Question 7

What quote backs up Gloucester’s loyalty to Lear

Answer 7

“Must take it I’ll, that he, so slightly valued in his messenger, should have him this restrained” - Gloucester (act 2 scene 2)