‘How central is the idea of a ‘fatal flaw’ in King Lear?’ More than any of Shakespeare’s plays, King Lear explores the concept of a fatal flaw and the terrible downfall it could lead to. It is indeed the most central idea in the play. Shakespeare shows us how one flaw in an otherwise normal person can lead to their ultimate demise. From the very inception we witness what Lear’s fatal flaw is - his pride. We first see it surface when he decides to divide his Kingdom into three for his three daughters. To claim their share, they must ....