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KS4 KS5

King Lear: Characters - Shakespeare - education resource

Drama English Performing Arts
A person with a beard lies in a hospital bed under white sheets, asleep. A young woman stands beside the bed, looking intently at the one lying down.

Overview

Discover key characters in King Lear.

These short films feature interviews with the cast and director of the National Theatre’s 2014 production and can be used to explore some of King Lear‘s leading characters.

Learning outcomes

Designed to support students studying the play as part of a GCSE or A Level course in Drama or English Literature, with a particular focus on character, design and interpretation.

Watch

A woman wearing a green jacket and white shirt is leaning over a person lying down, partially visible. She has a concerned expression on her face.
Play Video

Cordelia

Two women stand on stage with serious expressions. The woman on the left wears a fur-collared coat, while the woman on the right has her arms crossed and wears a lace top.
Play Video

Goneril & Regan

A man wearing a brown hat and plaid suit plays a ukulele on stage. He is watched by a group of people in dark clothing.
Play Video

The Fool

A man in a long brown coat stands astride a stag prop. He is standing on a table surrounded by a group of men in dark clothing. They are are singing and have aggressive facial expressions.
Play Video

The Knights

A man with a bloodstained shirt and bandage over his eyes stands in a dimly lit setting. Another man with a beard and wearing a coat watches him from behind.
Play Video

The House of Gloucester

Production information

Olivier Theatre, 2014.

King Lear by William Shakespeare; directed by Sir Sam Mendes; design by Anthony Ward; lighting design by Paul Pyant; sound design by Paul Arditti; music by Paddy Cunneen; projection design by Jon Driscoll; fight direction by Terry King.

Photos © Mark Douet

Suitability

Suitable for 14+/KS4+

Keywords

Sam Mendes, Simon Russell Beale, Shakespeare, King Lear, Characters, A Level, GCSE English, GCSE Drama

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