King Lear address identity in many different ways. From the popular Shakespearean theme of mistaken identity--intentional or unintentional--to overt statements questioning self--like Lear's soliloquy in the storm, the question of identity holds a powerful influence over those in this play.
In the case of mistaken identity, there is Kent posing as a different, new servant to the king, and Edgar hiding in plane sight as a "Poor Tom." These characters renounce their identities to save their lives, suggesting that life is more important than the identity of the living person. However, both of these characters also relinquish their names out of loyalty to the one they respect more than any other--Kent respects his king (Lear), Edgar respects his father (Gloucester). Both Edgar and Kent use their new identities later in the play in attempts to save Lear and Gloucester.
Kent returns after being banished by Lear disguised as a servant/confidant in order to ensure that Lear does not make poor choices and is not left completely alone, as Kent sees how Lear's actions in Act I will lead to his tragic demise. Kent does not leave Lear's side through the entire play, he is even in the storm with Lear when he proclaims to the sky and his kingdom: "I never gave you kingdom, called you children; you owe me no subscription. Then let fall your horrible pleasure. Here I stand your slave, a poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man" (3.2.19-22). Kent sacrifices his identity so that he can support King Lear as he loses his and discovers a new one.
Edgar assumes the ragged appearance and sanity of "Poor Tom o' Bedlam"after Gloucester is fooled by Edmond--Glouchester's illegitimate son--and Gloucester releases a warrant for Edgar's death. Edgar recites a harsh soliloquy in Act II of how he will destroy his appearance and relinquish his name with the final statement, "'Edgar' I nothing am" (2.3.21). Edgar conceals his true identity to save himself, but after Gloucester's eyes are removed by Cornwall, Edgar saves Gloucester from committing suicide on the cliffs of Dover. Edgar's residual loyalty to the preservation of his father indicates that he was unable to completely rid himself of his original identity. No matter how severely Edgar ruins his appearance, manner of interacting with others, and style of living, he will always be Gloucester's son. Edgar, just like everyone else in this play, cannot discard his inherent identity because of how it makes him a human. If he were to completely rid himself of his inherent personality, he would lose the sense of humanity that led him to save his father and support him to the end of his life.
I believe that the only characters in this play that do not lose sight of their true identities and stay loyal to who they are are the Fool and Cordelia--the only characters who consistently speak the truth. The Fool does hide himself behind his wit and riddles, but his ideas/opinions of Lear's actions and the world around him are always honest and true to the fate of Lear. Cordelia's acceptance of who she is through her reluctance to "heave [her] heart into [her] mouth" is the catalyst for the tragic events in this tragic play (1.1.100-101). Cordelia knows that she is unable to properly identify her feelings toward her father, and does not deceive herself by stating otherwise. Cordelia retains her self-identity by accepting her punishment from her father, but then receiving him graciously at the end of the play before she and Lear are killed. The Fool and Cordelia display different ways of retaining one's true identity, and their contrasting outcomes. Cordelia is outwardly herself and is killed. The Fool slightly disguises his identity behind riddles, though it is still apparent, and he simply vanishes shortly after the storm. Is it better to die for your display of your identity or vanish because it was not completely clear?
"No One's Gonna Love You" by Band of Horses
Or altogether just taken apart
We're reeling through an endless fall
We are the ever-living ghost of what once was
But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do
And anything to make you smile
It is my better side of you to admire
But they should never take so long
Just to be over then back to another one
But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/band_of_horses/no_ones_gonna_love_you.html ]
But someone,
They could have warned you
When things start splitting at the seams and now
The whole thing's tumbling down
Things start splitting at the seams and now
If things start splitting at the seams and now,
It's tumbling down
Hard.
Anything to make you smile
You are the ever-living ghost of what once was
I never want to hear you say
That you'd be better off
Or you liked it that way
But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do
No one's gonna love you more than I do
But someone
They should have warned you
When things start splitting at the seams and now
The whole thing's tumbling down
Things start splitting at the seams and now
If things start splitting at the seams and now,
It's tumbling down
Hard
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