King Lear · Character

Regan

Lear's middle daughter, softer in manner than Goneril and just as hard in purpose, who strips her father of his last followers and his dignity.

major

Also known as Regan Sir, Regan Ingrateful fox, O Regan, Regan Lord Edmund, Regan Sister, Regan Sick, Regan Lady

First appearance: Scene I

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

Receives her portion and agrees with Goneril to limit Lear's authority.

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Regan shares the kingdom with Goneril and Cornwall, and her hospitality proves even narrower than her sister's, whittling Lear's retinue from a hundred to none. She is cool, calculating, and quick to align herself with whoever holds power, whether her husband or the rising Edmund. Her escalating cruelty toward Gloucester and her father shows how thoroughly the family's bonds have dissolved into competition.

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See Regan in Scene I

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Major Characters and Court
Protagonist

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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,…

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In the story

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

Scene I
Receives her portion and agrees with Goneril to limit Lear's authority.
Scene I
Arrives with Cornwall, expresses outrage at Edgar's alleged betrayal, and blames Lear's knights for corrupting him.
Scene II
Supports Cornwall's harsh punishment of Kent.
Scene IV
Regan sides with Goneril, demanding Lear reduce his train and return to Goneril, showing her coldness and lack of filial duty.
Scene VII
Actively participates in Gloucester's torture, plucks his beard, and kills a servant.
Scene V
Questions Oswald about Goneril's letter and Edmund, expresses romantic interest in Edmund, and orders the death of Gloucester.
Scene I
Regan expresses jealousy and suspicion about Edmund's relationship with Goneril, insisting he not be familiar with her.
Scene III
Poisoned by Goneril, dies; her rivalry with Goneril over Edmund is revealed.

Chapter companion notes

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See Regan in Scene I