describe King Lear's character in the first act of King Lear..?

Answer 1

He responds to his fawning daughters, Goneril and Regan in a way that suggests he desires glory - and they are only too happy to provide it so long as they get their fortunes in return. He misunderstands the meaning of his daughters' love, since Cordelia is the only one to express her true feelings toward him, that of genuine love and respect and disinterest in what she can gain from it, for which he admonishes her.

Answer 2

In the first act Lear is blind to the insincerities of certain people and foolishly banishes those who have his good intentions at heart. He has decided to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Basically Cordelia is the only one who cares for her elderly father and she is treated the worst! Its only after many humiliations and suffering that he realises the error of his ways.During this time he physically loses his sight and its Cordelia who's there to care for him. It could be said he had to lose his sight to see (the error of his ways) This play is a tragedy and Lear dies soon after but like any good tragedy its resolved at the end. Its a morality tale really from Shakespeare..all that glitters is not gold!!ie dont always listen to flatterers!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

King Lear acts like a egotistical tyrant in the first act, demanding a 'love-test' of his daughters, failing to see past appearances as he believes Gonerill and Regan's false declarations of love and doesn't listen to honest Cordelia and loyal kent, banishing them , behaving very rashly, which causes his downfall. He is humilated by Cordelia's 'Nothing, my lord', and his expectations are turned upside down. Although he effectively gives all his power away, he still expects his orders to be followed.

Answer 4

It's a pretty good play; you ought to give it a read sometime.