King Lear - Discuss the role of the fool in King Lear and his function in the unfolding of the plot.

In 'King Lear', the Fool is a character of dramatic importance in the play. The Fool helps the reader, and in Shakespeare's time would help the audience, to understand what lies beneath the surface of certain actions or verses. He equally strives to make Lear 'see'. The Fool may be a very intriguing character and very often a complicated one but his role is necessary in 'King Lear'.
The Fool plays three major roles; one of these roles is that of an 'inner-conscience' of Lear. The Fool provides basic wisdom and reasoning for the King at much needed times. The Fool also works as amusem…