Introduction
One of William Shakespeare’s timeless classics, King Lear, is a complex tragedy that touches upon some of his all-time favorite topics, such as power, madness, and familial relationships. A plethora of minor characters help shape the overall narrative and influence the story differently. Albany, Cornwall, Oswald, Kent, and the Fool stand out for their significant contributions to the tragedy’s grand narrative.
Role of Minor Characters in Shakespeare’s King Lear
Albany
Albany, the husband of Lear’s daughter Goneril, may initially seem soft, loyal, and mild-mannered, without much to add to the play’s structure and story. However, as the story unfolds, his character gains momentum, particularly in his relationship with his wife. Goneril’s ruthless actions serve as a wake-up call for the initially bleak Albany, who becomes increasingly disillusioned the more the narrative moves forward:
ALBANY: O Goneril!
You are not worth the dust which the rude wind.
Blows in your face! (Shakespeare 4.2.38–40)
Albany’s metaphorical moral awakening is a crucial aspect of the play. It depicts the harsh consequences of uncontrolled power and reminds us of the importance of moral integrity. Albany ultimately rises against his formerly adored wife and Edmund, as a glimmer of hope and justice in King Lear’s chaotic world.
Cornwall
Husband to one of Lear’s daughters, Cornwall serves the role of the play’s antagonist, repeatedly demonstrating cruelty and brutality toward others, including his blinding of Gloucester:
CORNWALL: See ‘t shalt thou never. Fellows, hold the chair.
Upon these eyes of thine, I’ll set my foot. (Shakespeare 3.7.81–82)
Cornwall’s actions and relationship with his wife, Regan, are the principal contributors to the tragedy’s sense of darkness and malevolence (Howard 52). His unhinged and brutal nature is directly opposed to the soft and naive characters, such as Albany.
Oswald
Oswald, a messenger and servant in the play, is initially loyal to Goneril but later switches his allegiance to Regan. Oswald’s interactions with other characters provide opportunities for comic relief and moments of tension:
OSWALD: My lady’s father.
LEAR: My lady’s father! My lord’s knave: you whoreson
dog! You enslaved person! You cur!
OSWALD: I am none of these, my lord; I beseech your pardon. (Shakespeare 1.4.79–82).
His loyalty and willingness to carry out ruthless acts on behalf of his masters highlight the moral corruption and deceit prevalent in the world of the play.
Kent
Kent is one of the most devoted characters in the play. His unwavering loyalty, wise counsel, and willingness to sacrifice himself for Lear exemplify the themes of loyalty, friendship, and selflessness:
KENT: I will not sleep, my lord, till I have delivered your letter. (Shakespeare 1.5.6)
His actions highlight the contrast between genuine loyalty and the false flattery of characters like Goneril, Regan, and Oswald’s wicked sense of devotion.
Fool
Finally, the Fool is a voice of reason and truth throughout the play. He offers insightful commentary, representing Lear’s conscience, criticizing his decisions, and providing witty observations. The Fool’s presence underscores the theme of madness, as Lear descends into madness and the kingdom falls into chaos (Howard 15). Additionally, the Fool’s wordplay and humor offer a respite from the play’s dark and tragic moments:
FOOL: Canst thou tell how an oyster makes his shell?
LEAR: No.
FOOL: Nor I neither; but I can tell why a snail has a house.
LEAR: Why?
FOOL: Why, to put’s head in. (Shakespeare 1.5.26-30)
Conclusion
These minor characters contribute depth, contrast, and thematic significance to King Lear’s story. They play crucial roles in shaping the narrative and contributing to the overall themes of the play. They help explore the complexities of human nature, the consequences of power and corruption, and the importance of loyalty and moral integrity within the play’s tragic landscape.
Works Cited
Howard, Jean E. King Lear: Language and Writing. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022.
Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Project Gutenberg, 2021.