King Lear, written by William Shakespeare, consisted of an intricate storyline laced with several subplots. The external action between each character created a foundation upon which a stable story of internal conflicts was built. Despite the many twists and surprises woven into the plot of King Lear, Shakespeare managed to give the internal conflicts of several characters the suspense, excitement, and climax usually associated with external situations. Characters such as Gloucester, Edmund, and King Lear demonstrated climax and suspense within their internal conflicts.

One character inflicted with a realization is Gloucester, whose internal conflict involved his legitimate son Edgar and his bastard son Edmund. Gloucester's awakening occurred when Edgar revealed that he is the beggar who had helped Gloucester. Finally admitting his identity, Edgar says:

Let's exchange charity,

I am no less in blood than thou art, Edmund

If more, the more th' hast wronged me

My name...