" Two sets of characters , each representing two generations , are introduced in the first scene . The play opens as the Earl of Gloucester and the Earl of Kent discuss both Lear's plan to divide his kingdom and also the bastardy of Gloucester's son Edmund . From the start , Gloucester and his sons will create a subplot that mirrors the action of the main plot between Lear and his three daughters . A conflict between generations is evident from the start . The main plot involves Lear , who divides his kingdom between his elder daughters Regan and Goneril while angrily disinheriting his youngest daughter Cordelia . His decision quickly proves unreasonable , and the consequences are tragic . We meet good characters in the play , such as the loyal Earl of Kent , and evil characters , such as Regan , Goneril , and Edmund . The clash of good and evil culminates in one of the most distressing final scenes of any play . At first introduction , Lear is a regal monarch- " every inch a king .When Albany asks why and learns Cornwall was killed for blinding Gloucester , he praises Gloucester's loyalty ." Two sets of characters , each representing two generations , are introduced in the first scene . The play opens as the Earl of Gloucester and the Earl of Kent discuss both Lear's plan to divide his kingdom and also the bastardy of Gloucester's son Edmund . From the start , Gloucester and his sons will create a subplot that mirrors the action of the main plot between Lear and his three daughters . A conflict between generations is evident from the start . The main plot involves Lear , who divides his kingdom between his elder daughters Regan and Goneril while angrily disinheriting his youngest daughter Cordelia . His decision quickly proves unreasonable , and the consequences are tragic . We meet good characters in the play , such as the loyal Earl of Kent , and evil characters , such as Regan , Goneril , and Edmund . The clash of good and evil culminates in one of the most distressing final scenes of any play . At first introduction , Lear is a regal monarch- " every inch a king ." As the play progresses , Lear deteriorates into madness . The tragedy that engulfs the king swallows nearly all those near him as well , both friend and foe , which accounts for part of the enormity of the drama . The outcome of these complicated events has been called , " Cronically , both pessimistic and hopeful .King Lear is set in Britain  unspecified period of the Middle Ages ." As the play progresses , Lear deteriorates into madness . The tragedy that engulfs the king swallows nearly all those near him as well , both friend and foe , which accounts for part of the enormity of the drama . The outcome of these complicated events has been called , " Cronically , both pessimistic and hopeful .