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William Shakespeare reveals through his plays King Lear and Richard II the true cost of having royal power. He is using the title characters of each play to show the audience the consequences of how royal power, like that of a king, can change people and can push away those close to them. Lear and Richard are presented, not as victims, but as examples to show us to be cautious when in control of great power.

Cordelia death
Act 5 Scene 3 from King Lear by William Shakespeare, 19th century. Lear grieving over the death of his daughter Cordelia. The play was first performed in c1605. Artist Unknown. (Photo by Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images/Getty Images)