People going through changes throughout their life is a universally known

concept. In many novels the authors attempt to trace the development of the characters.

By showing the evolution of the characters is what sometimes determines the quality of

the literary piece. It is on the agenda of great writing critics to critique the authors'

development of characters. Many lessons have been taught on the tragedy King Lear, by

William Shakespeare, because of Shakespeare's superb development of his characters.

He traces the psychological evolution of the Earl of Gloucester, the Duke of Albany and

King Lear; from being irrational to sensible, subservient to self-determined and oblivious

A clear evolution takes place in the nature of the Earl of Gloucester from the

beginning of the story until the end as he changes from being irrational to sensible. When

the story begins the earl is introduced as an irrational noble. The reason he is branded as

irrational is because of his sudden alignment with his bastard son, Edmund, against his

loyal and loving son, Edgar. Despite being taken cared by Edgar for the past seven years,

Once he makes his final decision he immediately realizes that he has made a big mistake.

the cynicism of Edmund. However as the story lines develop so does Glocester. Towards

Albany is participating in his wife's plan to rule Britain. When Albany says to Goneril, "I

didst thou show in Cordelia... Oh Lear, Lear Lear ...let thy folly in"(1.5) proving that Lear

kingdom. Lear's awareness of his error goes so far as him sincerely trying to rectify it.

sorrow split my heart, if ever I did hate thee or thy father,"(4.3) his subservient nature is

drives Lear to act foolishly and therefore he is oblivious to the prior loyalty of Cordelia.

taunting their father when they participated in his contest and only in it to take over the

When he says to Edgar, one of the people standing in the way of his wife's plans," Let

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Approximate Word count = 888
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)