In Shakespeare’s King Lear both sides of human nature are shown. There are darker characters such as Regan, Goneril, and Edmund, juxtaposed against inherently good characters such as Cordelia, Kent, and Edgar. The interesting thing to observe is the ultimate conclusions that the “darker” characters come to. In the final scene of the play all of the so called “evil” characters realize that they have done wrong and try to attempt some sort of atonement for their wrongdoings. Edmund tells the others of his plot to assassinate Cordelia and King Lear. While Goneril kills herself as she realizes that she has killed her most beloved sister over a bastard that has been playing both of them. These conclusions lead one to believe that ultimately the good side of the human nature will overcome to bad.
