- Lear, King of Britain
- Goneril (sometimes written Gonerill or Gonoril), eldest daughter of Lear
- Regan, second daughter of Lear
- Cordelia, youngest daughter of Lear
- Duke of Albany, husband to Goneril
- Duke of Cornwall, husband to Regan
- Earl of Gloucester (sometimes written as Gloster)
- Earl of Kent, often appearing under the guise of Caius
- Edgar, son of Gloucester
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- Edmund (sometimes written Edmond), illegitimate son of Gloucester
- Oswald, steward to Goneril
- Fool, Lear's fool or court jester (definitely not his nephew, his calling Lear nuncle is in jest)
- King of France, suitor and later husband to Cordelia
- Duke of Burgundy, suitor to Cordelia
- Curan, a courtier
- Old man, tenant of Gloucester
- A Doctor, an Officer employed by Edmund, a Gentleman attending on Cordelia, a Herald, Servants to Cornwall, Knights of Lear's Train, Officers, Messengers, Soldiers, and Attendants
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