King Lear · Character

Cordelia

Lear's youngest daughter, who refuses to flatter and is disowned for it, answering her father's demand for a speech with the plainest truth.

major

Also known as Cordelia Aside, Cordelia Sir, Cordelia Alack, Alack, Cordelia Peace, Cordelia Time, Cordelia⁠

First appearance: Scene I

As a major figure in King Lear, Cordelia is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Refuses to flatter Lear, is disowned, and departs with the King of France.

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See Cordelia in Scene I Book page

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Cordelia stands before the court as the daughter Lear loved most, expected to outdo her sisters in declarations of devotion. Instead she offers only what she owes, love according to her bond, and is cast off in a fury that leaves her dowerless and married to the King of France. Her honesty is the play's measure of everything Lear cannot yet hear, and her absence haunts the middle of the tragedy as the cost of his pride.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Cordelia sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Cordelia in Scene I

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Cordelia sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Friendship
Professional
Other

Character groups

Major Characters and Court
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Cordelia’s active,…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

King Lear
family · positive
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to… How this plays out →
Edmund
rivalry · negative
Gloucester
friendship · positive
Doctor
professional · positive
Doctor
professional · positive
King Lear
family · positive
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to… How this plays out →
Gloucester
friendship · positive
King Lear
family · positive
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to… How this plays out →

King Lear
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to flatter him.
Edmund
Cordelia opposes Edmund's treachery as she leads the French army to rescue her father from his plots.
Gloucester
Cordelia shows compassion for Gloucester, and he supports her cause against Lear's cruel daughters.
Doctor
Cordelia employs a doctor to tend to the mad King Lear, showing her care and desire to heal him.
Doctor
Cordelia employs a doctor to tend to the mad King Lear, showing her care and desire to heal him.
King Lear
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to flatter him.
Gloucester
Cordelia shows compassion for Gloucester, and he supports her cause against Lear's cruel daughters.
King Lear
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter, deeply loved but disowned for her honest refusal to flatter him.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Cordelia in Scene I

In the story

Cordelia appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene I
Refuses to flatter Lear, is disowned, and departs with the King of France.
Scene II
Mentioned in Kent's letter; she is aware of his disguised service.
Scene I
Mentioned as the intended recipient of Kent's ring; the Gentleman is to seek her in Dover.
Scene III
Cordelia is in the French camp, deeply affected by news of Lear's suffering. She weeps but maintains composure, showing both grief and dignity.
Scene IV
Takes charge of the search for Lear, expresses deep concern for his madness, and declares her motives are love and her father's right, not ambition.
Scene VII
Tends to her father with compassion, forgives him unconditionally, and seeks to restore his health.
Scene II
Appears with Lear and soldiers; reported captured after the battle.
Scene III
Captured and led to prison, later hanged on Edmund's orders; Lear finds her dead.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cordelia unlock in the free preview.

See Cordelia in Scene I