King Lear

King Lear is a landmark tragedy by William Shakespeare, first performed in 1606. The play centres on the ageing king, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters according to their declarations of love. Flattered by Goneril and Regan, and offended by Cordelia's honesty, Lear disowns his youngest daughter and hands power to the others, setting in motion a chain of betrayal and political unrest.