Lear, the protagonist of King Lear, is a remarkably dynamic character who is finally forced to "grow up" at the age of "Fourscore and upward," (4.7.61). The play focuses on Lear's interior state of mind as he transforms from a vain and foolish king to a chastened and wiser deposed monarch. Throughout the play's action, Lear is revealed as a complex character whose contradictions and extreme opposites of behavior highlight the changes he undergoes. The interrelated concepts of pride, irrationality, madness, compassion, social awareness, and humility alternately characterize Lear as he undergoes this elaborate process of change.
             The early Lear tends to show himself as foolish and egotistic. Having enjoyed a comfortable reign as ruler of Britain, Lear expects a carefree and convenient retirement in which he can maintain the respect and title of king without the burdensome duties of political office. The rigidity of Lear's mind at this early point in the play is showcased by his announcement that in giving up his kingdom, " 'tis our fast intent/ To shake all cares and business from our age..." (1.1.37-38). This statement implies that Lear is content with what he has achieved and become, and that he is retiring from a thoughtful concern with all of life. Accordingly, what Lear does throughout this scene seems to be done without thought. When Goneril and Regan offer their fulsome protestations of love, he makes no comment upon what they have said. When Cordelia gives him logic instead of flattery, he is of course enraged; but he does not really argue or reason with her. Instead, he pronounced his disowning of her: "Here I disclaim all my paternal care,/ Propinquity and property of blood,/ And as a stranger to my heart and me/ Hold thee from this for ever," (1.1.114-118). The frailty of Lear's emotional state is suggested by this excessive anger towards Cordelia...