look edmund’s one single line in 2.2 is so important.

he’s constantly playing the part of the peacekeeper up until act 5.

he’s acting as an intermediary between edgar and gloucester to supposedly try to resolve the conflict.

he’s constantly justifying edgar to gloucester and warning edgar of the danger he’s in

he’s so so sorry that he has to turn in his father to cornwall– he’s only doing it because he’s so loyal to his country that he has to turn against his father to protect his home

these are all crucial parts of the role he’s trying to play.

so him hearing a fight outdoors and immediately running out to break it up– while he’s injured! right after he just got injured protecting his father! – is so important.

he’s playing the role of the peacekeeper. and he’s deeply in character.