The Role of the Fool in King Lear

The Fool is a classic character in Shakespeare plays. Shakespeare’s fools are almost always ironic characters – often the most intelligent and wise characters despite their title, and Lear’s fool is no exception. Even though he speaks in silly riddles, poems, and songs, it’s clear that the fool knows Lear has made a terrible choice in trusting Regan and Goneril, and that they plan to ruin him. Because he is viewed as simpleminded and childish, the fool is able to get away with chastising Lear in a way no other member of the court would be allowed. Because he speaks in riddle rather than plain speak, the fool is also able to plant seeds of warning and doubt in Lear’s mind without Lear ever being aware of it. The fool disappears without explanation from the play during the storm on the heath.