King Lear Video Summary

Visit us at to read the full video transcript and our study guide for this classic play, which includes a full list of characters, themes, and much more. King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1605. Drawing on various accounts of a mythological British king named “Lyr,” Shakespeare’s version centers on Lear’s descent into madness and destitution after handing the kingdom over to his greedy and selfish daughters, Regan and Goneril. Shakespeare imbued King Lear with themes like the dangers of a divided kingdom in order to appeal to King James, his patron. Today, King Lear is respected as one of Shakespeare’s crowning achievements. At the start of the play, King Lear is discussing the division of his kingdom with the Earls of Kent and Gloucester. Seeking to retire, Lear has decided to divide his realm into three parts, entrusting them according to which of his three daughters loves him the most. Goneril, the elde