King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The play follows the story of King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on how much they profess their love for him. Goneril and Regan, the two eldest daughters, flatter their father with false declarations of love, while Cordelia, the youngest and most honest daughter, refuses to participate in the charade.
Enraged by Cordelia's honesty, King Lear banishes her from the kingdom and divides his land between Goneril and Regan. However, as Lear soon discovers, his two eldest daughters are cruel and power-hungry, leading to his downfall.
As the play unfolds, Lear descends into madness, wandering the countryside accompanied by his loyal Fool and a disguised nobleman named Kent. Meanwhile, a subplot involving the Earl of Gloucester and his two sons adds to the drama and tragedy of the story.
Ultimately, King Lear is a tale of power, betrayal, and the consequences of pride and folly. It is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest works and continues to be performed and studied to this day.