A tragedy is a genre generally defined as a play that deals with a series of events that lead to the hero's downfall. Written between 1604 and 1606, “King Lear” is part of this type of tragedy, describing the destruction and disappearance of the main character (Abrams). The play centers on Lear, an aging king who, in retirement, decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters while retaining the title and privileges of king. However, King Lear's actions lead to the destruction of his family, tearing his kingdom apart and starting a war. “King Lear” is a tragedy because it follows the codes and conventions generally associated with the genre. The main hero and protagonist, King Lear, is an influential and high-born character whose fatal flaw leads to his demise (Shakespeare.nuvvo.com). It is the character of Lear, combined with the themes of conflict, power, family and forgiveness, that make “King Lear” a tragedy. “King Lear” is a character-driven play. As the main character, it is Lear's decisions that affect those around him. Lear himself is stubborn, proud and often blind to the truth. For this reason, it is clear that Lear favors appearance over reality, thereby showing how character and character flaws contribute to and deepen the conflict within the play (A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO THE SIGNET CLASSIC EDITION OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S KING LEAR). One of the most important scenes that supports this is at the end of act two, scene four where Lear is pushed to the breaking point by the cruelties of Goneril and Regan. Lear is angry with them, explaining that their attempts to take away his knights and servants have harmed him. Oh, reason is not necessary! Our vilest beggars are in the poorest thing superfluous. Don't let nature know more...... middle of paper ...... HIS GUIDE TO THE CLASSIC EDITION OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S KING LEAR). But it is their greed that causes their downfall. Their desire for power is fulfilled, but both harbor a sexual need for Edmund, which ends their alliance and ultimately leads them to destroy each other. These loyalties and bonds are the causes of the great betrayal manifested in “King Lear,” which in turn led to the downfall of King Lear himself, thus rightly calling this play a tragedy. “King Lear” falls within the genre of tragedy, depicting the destruction and downfall of the king and his three daughters. The play follows the codes and conventions generally associated with the genre and it is through the character of Lear combined with the cunning deception of his two eldest daughters that the themes of conflict, power, family and forgiveness are brought into play...