Lear, the King of Britain, has decided to step down
from the throne and divide his kingdom between his
three daughters, after first testing their love
for him. Goneril and Regan flatter their father
with empty words. Cordelia, his youngest daughter,
remains silent, because words are not enough for
her to describe her love for her father. Cordelia
is disowned by Lear but the French King wants to
marry Cordelia in spite of this, so she goes to
France with him. Too late Lear realizes his mistake,
when the greed of Regan and Goneril becomes apparent
to him, and he develops insanity. Lear flees from
his daughters, his only company a jester and disguised
loyal nobleman Kent. Elsewhere Gloucester, an elderly
nobleman, has been tricked by his illegitimate son,
Edmund, into believing that Edgar, his legitimate
son, is plotting to kill him. To escape a manhunt,
Edgar has disguised himself as a beggar called "Poor
Tom". Regan and her husband Cornwall blind
Gloucester, for aiding Lear, and he is helped by
"Poor Tom". A French army lands at Dover,
led by Cordelia who is trying to save her father.
An English army defeats the French and Cordelia
and Lear are captured. Edgar kills Edmund and Gloucester
dies. Goneril kills Regan, before killing herself.
Cordelia dies. Lear dies, mad and filled with grief.
Edgar and Kent remain to look after the country.
