Goneril (wife to The Duke of Albany): Lear's selfish, ruthless daughter. When Lear asks her to profess her love for him before he gives her part of his kingdom, she professes great love for Lear, "Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;" (Act I, Scene I, Line 57). Yet, once Lear has given her half his kingdom, she shirks her obligations to host King Lear by making life so miserable at her …showed first 75 words of 339 total…

…showed last 75 words of 339 total…Cordelia does not and will not use "that glib and oily art" of her sisters "To speak and purpose not;" (to say what one does not mean), (Act I, Scene I, Lines 228-229). In return for not lying as her sisters have done, she is banished by Lear and given nothing. Only later does Lear learn the truth that Cordelia's love for him is indeed "More richer than my tongue" (Act I, Scene I, Line 80).