Shakespeare repeatedly lets his audience know that Edmund is a bastard. Not only is he a bastard, but he acts like an idiot from the beginning to the end of the show. Edmund is one of the first characters we meet, and although Gloucester, his father, does not intend to harm or offend Edmund, he does. Gloucester introduces Edmund to a friend and Shakespeare introduces him to the audience. “Though his rascal came into the world in a jaunty way before he was called, yet his mother was beautiful, there was much fun in her doing, and the son of a bitch must be acknowledged.” It is clear that Edmund is reminded more often than necessary that he is a bastard. Edmund is an idiot for a reason. Shakespeare gives readers insight into how Edmund feels about the matter in his first of many soliloquies. “Why should I endure the plague of custom and allow the curiosity of nations to deprive me of the fact that I am about twelve out of fourteen retarded children of a brother? Why you bastard? Why basic? When my dimensions are as well compacted, my mind as generous, and my form so true, as honest ladies ask why brand us with vile? With baseness? Bastard, vile, vile. Edmund's motive against his father and brother is clear. Edmund being the second born knows that Edgar has the primogeniture. In order for Edmund to gain lands or power for Gloucester, Edgar must be out of the picture. “Well, then Legitimate Edgar, I must have yours