King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.

It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear relinquishes his power and land to two of his daughters.

He becomes destitute and insane and a proscribed crux of political machinations.

King Lear divides his kingdom among the two daughters who flatter him and banishes the third one who loves him.

His eldest daughters both then reject him at their homes, so Lear goes mad and wanders through a storm.

Lear is not only a father but also a king, and when he gives away his authority to the unworthy and evil Goneril and Regan, he delivers not only himself and his family but all of Britain into chaos and cruelty.