King Lear Act 1 Scene 1

The setting of this scene is in Manhattan, New York City. More specifically, it takes place in the office building of a prominent real estate company. Thomas Rael's meeting room corresponds to King Lear's round table, and it is here where Rael announces that he is dividing up the shares of his company. The season is winter, to represent the conflict that arrises between Rael and his children, and it is set in modern day. This allows for the integration of modern technology such as phones and cars, to take the place of the messengers that were in the original play. Along with being set in modern day, the setting is innovative because it does not require the viewer to have any knowledge of the time period, because they are already familiar with
Thomas Rael is a wealthy business owner, who's "empire," much like Lear, has caused him to be out of touch with modern times, and the true intentions of his children. Thomas, also referred to as Mr. Rael, built his business from the ground up, and is therefore very proud of his work, leading to conflict when his business is run into the ground by Mary and Joseph. Chris, Thomas' once-favorite son, is the most intelligent and qualified of the three children, and the most loyal to his father. Thomas cannot easily put his ideas into words, therefore leading to a struggle when his father asks him to explain why he is the most qualified to inherit the majority of the business. Mary and Joseph are the greedy children of the three, who manipulate their father for personal gain, and are only interested in the money. They are devious, and do not care much for their father, or his business. Other characters include Geoffrey Williamson, Gary Tyler, Eddie Tyler, and Elliot Tyler, who correspond to Kent, Gloucester, Edgar, and Elliot respectively. Geoffrey, Thomas's secretary, is always looking out for his boss' best interest, even if it costs him his job. Geoffrey deeply cares for Thomas, and constantly sends him emails providing advise even when he is fired. Gary Tyler, much like Thomas, is a fellow business owner and friend who has family
I am getting of age, and I find it in the company's best interest to pass the business on to my children. Children, I'd like you all to briefly convince me as to why you deserve influence in this company that I have worked so hard to build. Joseph, because you're the oldest, I'd like you to go first.

Joseph Rael: Father, I am easily the most deserving person here. From a very young age, I have always shown an interest in real estate, and I have helped you make a lot of money. It's funny that you would even ask this question, we all know that I am the most deserving one here.

Thomas Rael: Ok, very good Joseph. I'd like to give you 30% of my shares in our company. Mary, the second oldest, it's your turn.

Mary Rael: I thank you for this opportunity father, and I would like to say that I am very deserving of your hard earned shares in this company. Since I was a child, I have been by your side making deals, and helping you around the office. Also, we all know that I went to the best college here. A business degree from Yale is a very qualifying document.

Thomas Rael: Also very good Mary. You have been there for me for a while. I will give you 30% of my shares. Chris, you're next. Let's hear it.

Chris Rael: I don't really have anything to say