King Lear - Character Analysis - Lear

Question 1

Who is king Lear

Answer 1

The aging king of Britain

The protagonist of the play (main character)

Question 2

What are his character traits

Answer 2

Enjoys power and flattery
Does not respond well to being contradicted or challenged
Inspires loyalty in characters such as Kent, Gloucester, Cordelia
Values appearance over reality
Like the title of king but does not like the responsibility that comes with it
Blind to the truth
Lacks common sense
Excessive and destructive pride
Responds to problems with anger
Struggles to find effective means of dealing with his loss of power

Question 3

What are adjectives that describe him

Answer 3

Childlike
Passionate 
Cruel
Rash
Hot-headed 
Unlike able

Question 4

What quotes back up how Lear is always looking for flattery

Answer 4

“Which of you shall we say doth love us most?” - Lear (act 1 scene 1)

Question 5

What is a quote that backs up Lear’s rash and impulsive nature

Answer 5

“Come not between the dragons and his wrath. I loved her most, and thought to set my rest on her kind nursery. Hence and avoid my sight!… with my two daughters do west digest the third!” - Lear (act 1 scene 1)

Question 6

What quote backs up Lear’s bad temper

Answer 6

“My lady’s father! My lords knave, you whoreson dog! You slave! You cur!” - Lear (act 1 scene 4)

Question 7

What quotes backs up how Lear is not very perceptive

Answer 7

“See better Lear, and let me still remain the true blank of thine eye” - Kent (act 1 scene 1)

Question 8

What are Lear’s key moments in act 1 + act 2

Answer 8

When he banished Cordelia 
Love test
When he banishes Kent
When he talks badly to Oswald 
When he refuses to give up his servants 
When he runs off into the storm