Kent and Gloucester discuss the king's plan to divide his kingdom, and Gloucester introduces his illegitimate son, Edmund. Lear announces that he will divide Britain among his three daughters according to how much each professes to love him. Goneril and Regan flatter him extravagantly, but Cordelia refuses to exaggerate, and Lear disowns her, splitting her share between her sisters. Kent protests and is banished. The Duke of Burgundy withdraws his suit to the dowerless Cordelia, but the King of France takes her as his queen. Left alone, Goneril and Regan agree to act together against their father's rash moods.
Kent and Gloucester discuss the king's plan to divide his kingdom, and Gloucester introduces his illegitimate son, Edmund. Lear announces that he will divide Britain among his three daughters according to how much each professes to love him. Goneril and Regan flatter him extravagantly, but Cordelia refuses to exaggerate, and Lear disowns her, splitting her share between her sisters. Kent protests and is banished. The Duke of Burgundy withdraws his suit to the dowerless Cordelia, but the King of France takes her as his queen. Left alone, Goneril and Regan agree to act together against their father's rash moods.