The importance of the Earl of Kent in King LearThe Earl of Kent plays a small but important role in Shakespeare's play King Lear. From start to finish we see a minor character who serves to show the values ​​that Shakespeare believed in. Whether Kent is an example of a devoted servant or playing the middleman between Lear and Cordelia, he is essential to how the plot works. Kent's role is important because of Shakespeare's use of his character in giving the reader an example of the values ​​of the play. In Kent, the reader sees a man who is loyal to his king but who is not blind to the wrong that this king has committed. Kent is also able to defend his king even though he was banished by him. Kent is an example of a devoted servant and a symbol of reason. The reader discovers Kent's desire to protect his king in the first scene. After Lear sees his daughter show her love in a public competition, Kent tries to persuade him that Cordelia "loves him not the least" and that Lear should think about banishing her. Kent tries to protect the king from his emotions and the decision they led him to. But Lear does not listen and banishes Kent from the Kingdom. His banishment was the result of a new outburst of emotion on the part of the king. If Lear would rationally examine his actions and what his daughters said, he would realize his folly. Instead, he is furious with Kent and believes he is challenging his authority. Even after being banished, Kent returns to protect Lear. He sees that the king is heading for trouble. He let his emotions guide his actions. He has abandoned reason, and Kent is present as a motive...... middle of paper ... example of what is right and to show how powerful duty is. Without Kent, the play would take a completely different turn. He is able to connect the king's madness to the loss of reason that Lear demonstrates in the first scene. Kent is a representative of Lear before he lost his power. Kent's actions relate to the main plot of the play. It is present in almost every scene in which Lear shows his descent from power to madness. The reader is able to make connections in the plot through Kent's presence. The reader also perceives the strong moral messages of the plot through the character of Kent. Kent is the embodiment of honor and duty. These themes are necessary to keep the story complete. Works cited and consulted Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of King Lear. Ed. Russell Fraser. New York: Penguin, 1998.