King Lear and Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, are two plays that reveal similar thematic elements, but possess fundamentally different plot structures. Driven by the suffering and anger of two complementary characters, both works suggest injustice through “good,” but ultimately flawed, characters. This shared overarching theme, however, is conveyed differently within each of the works, as one employs two primarily disparate plot threads, while the other relies more on the interplay between the two central plots. Yet the ultimate purpose of this dualism remains the same in both King Lear and Hamlet, as Shakespeare's use of the double plot illuminates the tragic elements within both plays, emphasizing fundamental injustices through intertwining parallels of two distinct groups. In King Lear, this parallel structure reflects the tragic nature of the plot primarily in the symmetries between Lear and Gloucester. By depicting a simultaneous betrayal, of Lear by Goneril and Regan, and of Gloucester by Edmund, Shakespeare not only establishes a strong sense of cruelty in the breaking of family ties, but also reinforces the play's overall themes through repetition. This repetition, however, is not without key differences, offering two distinct perspectives that lead to a cohesive whole. For example, when juxtaposing Lear's belief that “How much sharper than a serpent's tooth to have an ungrateful son” (1.4.302-3) with “O my follies! Then Edgar was abused. Good gods, forgive me and let him prosper. (3.7.111-112), it is immediately apparent that, although their betrayals are quite similar, their responses differ markedly. While Lear is quick to point an accusatory finger at the injustices around him in his own way, showing the disparity between their characters and their similar fates, Shakespeare creates a more universal tragedy, suggesting that myriad flaws can lead to the same eventuality. From this perspective, the role of the double plot within King Lear and Hamlet is primarily that of an obstacle, serving to illustrate the truths in both plays within the clashes and dualities that a subplot introduces. Within King Lear, this parallel plot structure is used to present similar suffering through two unique lenses, while in Hamlet, the conflicts and intermingling between Hamlet and Laertes serve to convey tragedy through irony, in their mutual deaths and similar reasons. As such, the dual plot is an integral element of both works, as it allows for the reinforcement of central themes through the similarities and differences of two different groups..