The king of Britain is an old, stubborn man called Lear, and he has grown tired of ruling. But before retiring to his three daughters’ care, he must divide his kingdom between them, each receiving a part based on their show of love, in front of the assembled court of all of Britain. The eldest two, Goneril and Regan, flatter their father, and are given their portions of his realm, the duchies of Albany and Cornwall respectively. Yet, Cordelia, the youngest and most beloved of the princesses, refuses to do the same,  preferring to remain true to herself rather than contorting her values for the sake of appeasing her father’s ego. She is exiled to France, and her two sisters are charged with caring for their stubborn, ailing father, cracks begin to show in the royal family’s castle walls.