Real vs. Actual vs. True

Real, actual , true in general use describe objects, persons, experiences, etc., that are what they are said or supposed to be.

##Real- That which is described as real is genuine as opposed to counterfeit, false, or merely supposed:

A real emerald; real leather binding.

My real ambition is to be a dentist.

##Actual usually stresses contrast with another state of affairs that has been proposed or suggested:
The actual cost is much less.

To conceal one's actual motive.

(Actual could be opposed to "potential", "theoretical" and other limiting qualifiers. I can say a motor has an actual output of 150 HP in spite of being rated at 160)

##True implies a perfect correspondence with actuality and is in direct contrast to that which is false or inaccurate:

A true account of the events.

Not bravado but true courage.