Shakespeare's king Lear?

Question

what kind of character is the fool like?
what are his characteristics?
i know he's honest and funny but what else.....loyal maby

Answer 1

Here are some characteristics from different sites:
Fool - Lear’s jester, who uses double-talk and seemingly frivolous songs to give Lear important advice. The Fool, who offers Lear insight in the early sections of the play, offers his counsel in a seemingly mad babble.

Fool: As often happens in Shakespeare's plays, the Fool is one of the wiser characters in the play. He realizes immediately the mistake King Lear makes with his daughter, but still serves him out of loyalty.

Fool: One of the most famous characters in the play, his comic asides often reveal the very foolishness of Lear's actions. His words are often ironically the only source of wisdom, coherence and insight in Lear's pathetic entourage.

Lear's Fool: The hired court Fool, he attends Lear regularly and points out the truths which are missed or ignored. Upset by Cordelia's banishment, he ridicules Lear for being foolish enough to banish the good daughter and trust the evil ones. He further mocks his decision to give up his authority so fully. Once Lear goes mad, the Fool seems incredibly sane, making Lear remain dressed and playing along with his ideas of a trial versus Goneril and Regan.

FOOL
Perhaps King Lear’s most loyal servant, he stays with him throughout his misfortunes and acts as the King’s conscience.

The Fool
A jester in the court of Lear. The Fool not only relieves the tragic tension of the drama, but also underscores the sadness of the king's situation, for he plays the part of Lear's conscience. He is loyal to the King, but unafraid to speak his mind.

Answer 2

You answered your own question.

The fool is 'comic relief' in every sense of the word, using strict literary definitions.

Love,
Snag

PS--> King Lear and Pericles are the best Shakespeare plays!