King Lear | Kent (Character Analysis)
The earl of Kent is a nobleman and an unselfish, devoted supporter of King Lear. When Lear so harshly denies Cordelia, Kent attempts to intervene. He says, "See better, Lear; and let me still remain / The true blank of thine eye" (I.i.157-58). Lear then rashly banishes Kent. But instead of pouting, going off to lick his wounds, or fostering a hatred of Lear for his actions, Kent adopts the disguise of Caius, a rough character of lower social station than Kent really is, and devotes himself to helping Lear see better, sticking by Lear's side and protecting him until the end.
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