1. King Lear
Albany and Cornwall

2. Albany
Albany is a problematic character. The audience is suspicious of Goneril long before her husband recognises her inhumanity. Albany appears to lack his Goneril’s drive and force.

3. Cornwall
In contrast Cornwall grows more ruthless as the play progresses. He is drawn to Edmund. Unlike Albany, Cornwall is ready to assume command and join his wife and sister-in-law in their campaign against Lear. It is Cornwall who punishes Kent after his fight with Oswald. He is also responsible for the most shocking act of violence in the play-the blinding of Gloucester.

4. The End of the Play
After Cornwall is killed Albany returns to the action with a renewed sense of vigour. Albany’s abusive attack on Goneril in Act IV proves to the audience that Albany is the best hope of justice being served in the play. In Act V it is Albany who denounces and arrests Edmund. Shakespeare uses him as an agent of justice and morality.