Regan

Definition

Regan is a character from Shakespeare's tragedy 'King Lear' who is one of Lear's two daughters. She represents ambition and betrayal, showcasing the darker aspects of human nature as she seeks power and control at any cost. Regan's complex relationship with her father and her ruthless actions reflect the themes of loyalty, familial duty, and the consequences of greed within the tragedy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Regan is portrayed as cunning and manipulative, willing to deceive her father to gain power.
2. Her relationship with her sister Goneril is characterized by rivalry and collaboration in their schemes against Lear.
3. Regan's actions lead to tragic consequences, including her eventual downfall and the chaos that ensues in the kingdom.
4. Throughout the play, Regan displays a cruel disposition, particularly in her treatment of Lear as he descends into madness.
5. The character of Regan serves as a representation of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can accompany the pursuit of power.

Review Questions

• How does Regan's character reflect the themes of betrayal and ambition in 'King Lear'?
  • Regan embodies betrayal and ambition by initially professing love for her father, King Lear, only to reveal her true nature as she seeks power. Her willingness to deceive Lear showcases a ruthless pursuit of authority, demonstrating how ambition can lead to moral corruption. As she betrays her father's trust and collaborates with her sister Goneril, Regan's actions serve as a catalyst for the play's tragic events, highlighting the destructive consequences of such treachery.
• Analyze the relationship between Regan and Cordelia and how it contributes to the overall conflict in 'King Lear'.
  • The relationship between Regan and Cordelia is pivotal in 'King Lear', as it contrasts loyalty against ambition. Cordelia’s honesty stands in stark opposition to Regan’s deceitful nature. This conflict escalates when Lear disowns Cordelia for her refusal to flatter him like Regan and Goneril do. As Regan and Goneril conspire together, their alliance intensifies the familial strife, leading to a tragic downfall for Lear and chaos in the kingdom.
• Evaluate how Regan’s character development throughout 'King Lear' serves to illustrate Shakespeare’s commentary on power dynamics within families.
  • Regan's character development reveals Shakespeare’s commentary on how power dynamics can corrupt familial bonds. Initially appearing as a dutiful daughter, her transformation into a manipulative figure underscores how ambition can distort relationships. As she seeks control over Lear’s kingdom alongside Goneril, their pursuit of power leads to betrayal not only against their father but also against each other. Regan’s eventual demise highlights the inevitable consequences of such relentless ambition, suggesting that power can fracture familial ties rather than strengthen them.

Related terms

King Lear: A tragedy by William Shakespeare that explores themes of madness, betrayal, and the complexities of familial relationships through the story of an aging king and his three daughters.

Cordelia: Lear's youngest daughter, who symbolizes honesty and loyalty. Unlike Regan and Goneril, she remains true to her father despite facing his wrath.

Goneril:

Regan's sister and another daughter of King Lear, who shares Regan's ambition and treachery, leading to a power struggle that ultimately causes chaos in the kingdom.