Comparisons and contrasts within King Lear

Comparisons

Kent and Edgar
They are similar because even though they were both banished, Kent remains loyal to Lear and Edgar remains loyal to Gloucester. They are also both smart and creative in using disguises as a way to remain in the kingdom without being found.

Kent and Cordelia
They are both honest and loyal to Lear. They were also proud preferring to be banished than 'suck up' or tell the king just what he wants to hear. Later, they both care for Lear while his mental state was deteriorating.

King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester
Both of these men can be seen to be blind. Lear is blinded by the flattering words of Goneril and Regan while Gloucester is blinded by Edmund's lies. This shows that both were very gullible, being easily fooled by their wicked children. Also, both realize the truth when it is too late. Gloucester discovers Edmunds treachery only after he becomes physically blind and Lear realizes that Cordelia was truly his loyal daughter only after he goes completely mad.

Goneril, Regan, and Edmund
They were all quite manipulative and schemed to get their fathers' wealth. Edmund framed his brother Edgar and had him banished in order to gain his fathers' title as Earl. Regan and Goneril both used flattery during Lear's test of love in order to receive large portions of the kingdom. Additionally, all three ill treated their fathers. Goneril and Regan locked Lear out of Gloucester's castle during a storm and Edmund allowed his fathers eyes to be plucked out.

Also, Goneril and Regan both cheated on their husbands with Edmund.

Contrasts

Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Albany
Cornwall encouraged the ill treatment of Lear while Albany discouraged it. Also, Cornwall was against the French invasion while Albany was for it.

Cordelia and her two sisters
Unlike Goneril and Regan, Cordelia truly cared for her father and was not just interested in his wealth. This is seen in act 1 scene 1 when she says to Lear that if her sisters loved him with all their hearts they would not have husbands. Here she is trying to make Lear see through their flattery but instead she is perceived as being rude and subsequently is banished. Also, later in the play Goneril and Regan turn on their father while Cordelia cares for him.

King of France and Duke of Burgundy
Burgundy was shallow, only being interested in Cordelia in order to receive her dowry while France was interested in Cordelia because he truly admired her as a person. This is seen when Burgundy refuses to marry Cordelia after Lear disowned her and by France's kind words and acceptance to marry her.