King Lear prepares to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, with the largest portion going to the daughter who best expresses her devotion to him.
Cordelia’s honest speech results in her banishment. The impressed King of France marries her. Deceitful daughters Goneril and Regan inherit Lear’s kingdom.
Goneril and Regan treat Lear cruelly. The Earl of Gloucester’s bastard son Edmund conspires against his legitimate brother Edgar and turns his father against Edgar.
Gloucester and faithful adviser Kent try to help Lear, for which Gloucester is blinded by Regan’s husband, who dies as a result. Cordelia arrives with the French army to help her father.
The French are defeated. Gloucester, Edmund, Cordelia, Lear, Goneril, and Regan die. Albany or Edgar will become king.