In King Lear, the Earl of Kent assumes the name Caius in disguise.
Kent adopts this identity after Lear banishes him for opposing the king’s treatment of Cordelia. Rather than abandoning Lear, Kent changes his appearance and presents himself as a loyal, capable servant. Lear accepts him into his service without recognizing him.
As Caius, Kent remains devoted to Lear while openly confronting the king’s enemies. He quarrels with Oswald, Goneril’s servant, and is punished by Regan and Cornwall, who place him in the stocks. The disguise allows Kent to protect Lear while moving through the court unnoticed.
Caius is sometimes confused with Edgar’s disguise, Tom o’ Bedlam. Edgar is Gloucester’s legitimate son and disguises himself as a mad beggar, while Kent uses Caius as a servant’s name. Kent eventually reveals his identity near the play’s end, after Lear’s political and family order has collapsed.