How is Edmund presented in Act 1 Scene 2?

How is Edmund presented in the extract?

In his soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2, Edmund explains that he is just as worthy as Edgar to have land and wealth, and that if anything, he is worthier due to his good looks and “lusty stealth of nature.” He also explains his plot to replace Edgar as the “legitimate” son.

Edmund is presented as a self-assured, arrogant and hubris character as he claims that “nature art my goddess.” Edmund believes that nature has been good to him for making him physically attractive. So good in fact, that he believes he must repay nature for such a blessing; “my services are bound.” The fact that the opening line to his speech is all about his looks emphasises the idea that Edmund is completely in love with himself. This might also represent Edmund’s insecurity, however, as he knows he does not truly belong with Gloucester, he has no family, no land and no wealth; therefore, all Edmund has is his appearance. He might play on this and exaggerate it to make himself feel better and repress the fact he has nothing else.

Edmund’s apparent self-admiration, however, might even be the basis of why he believes he is worthier than his brother Edgar; he goes on to say, “wherefore should I stand in the plague of custom”. Edmund believes that he is so attractive that he does not need to conform to the norms of society, and feels insulted that he is deprived of the land and wealth his brother has received. However, this also makes Edmund appear rebellious and arrogant; Edmund believes he is above societies rules and is willing to lie and betray his brother to twist the rules and make himself more powerful, despite being the ******* son.

Edmund is also portrayed as an aggressive character due to his…