Medea

Medea (mih-DEE-uh) is a princess of Colchis and the wife of Jason, known for her formidable abilities as a sorceress. She played a crucial role in aiding Jason by navigating the traps set by her father, King Aeetes of Colchis, which allowed Jason to acquire the Golden Fleece. Her dedication to Jason was further demonstrated by her murder of her brother to facilitate their escape. However, in Iolcus, where they first settled, Jason's uncle Pelias denied him his rightful kingdom. In retaliation, Medea cunningly manipulated Pelias’s daughters into killing their father, leading to their exile alongside their children. The narrative of the play unfolds in Corinth, where Jason, seeking a more advantageous marriage, has abandoned Medea to wed Glauce, the daughter of Creon, the king of Corinth.

The play’s dramatic tension unfurls as Medea transforms from a mournful, forsaken wife to a woman consumed by revenge, ultimately prioritizing her vengeance over her maternal instincts. Initially presented as sorrowful, having sacrificed her home and status for Jason, she is pitied by the Chorus and her nurse, who foreshadow the tragic outcome. Medea’s initial appearance exudes pride and composure, as she expresses her plight in universal terms of womanhood, seeking the Chorus’s silence on her vengeful plans. Creon’s decree of exile, driven by fear of her magical prowess, is met with Medea’s successful plea for a one-day reprieve, which she uses to articulate darker, more violent intentions.

Her encounter with Jason reveals her full wrath, blaming him for her plight and dismissing his justifications for his marriage to Creusa, which he claims is for the family's benefit. Her encounter with Aegeus, king of Athens, provides a strategic opportunity for refuge, allowing her to proceed with her plan against Jason, which involves the murder of Creon and Glauce through poisoned gifts. Her internal conflict reaches a peak when she debates whether to spare her children, ultimately deciding that revenge must prevail. The tragic culmination arrives with the offstage screams of her children, with Medea ultimately appearing above the house in a chariot gifted by her grandfather Helios, signifying her complete and devastating revenge.

Jason

Jason, originally a celebrated hero as the leader of the Argonauts and the seeker of the Golden Fleece, is portrayed in a less flattering light by Euripides. His character is marked by a lack of emotional depth, portrayed as faithless and opportunistic. His decision to marry Creusa, under the pretense of securing better prospects for his family, further alienates him from the audience. Jason’s dismissive attitude towards Medea’s pivotal role in his past successes and his failure to acknowledge the gravity of his actions strips him of sympathy. His love for his children is his only redeeming quality, yet it is overshadowed by his ambition and self-interest.

The two children of Medea and Jason

The children of Medea and Jason, though largely silent throughout the play, are central to its tragic arc. They symbolize innocence caught in the crossfire of their parents' destructive passions. Their presence elicits sympathy from the audience, especially as their mother’s resolve to use them as instruments of revenge becomes apparent. Despite Medea’s momentary hesitation, she ultimately sacrifices them in her quest to punish Jason, highlighting the extent of her transformation and the extremity of her actions.

Creon

Creon (KREE-on), king of Corinth, is portrayed as a cautious yet ultimately tragic figure. His decree of exile is motivated by fear of Medea’s capabilities and reputation. Despite his justifiable concerns, his softer instincts lead him to grant Medea an additional day in Corinth, a decision that seals his and his daughter’s fates. Creon’s love for his daughter, Creusa, is his undoing, as he falls victim to the same poisoned gifts that kill her. His ambivalence and eventual demise underscore his role as a foil to Medea’s calculated ruthlessness.

Aegeus

Aegeus (EE-jews), the king of Athens, appears as a beacon of hope for Medea, offering her refuge after her plans are fulfilled. His childlessness, which leads him to consult the oracle at Delphi, mirrors Jason’s impending loss, reinforcing the theme of progeny and legacy. A kind and perceptive ruler, Aegeus’s interaction with Medea casts her in a sympathetic light, showcasing her intellect and former nobility. Nonetheless, his refusal to transport Medea lest it jeopardizes his alliances highlights the precariousness of her situation and the broader political landscape.

A nurse

The Nurse, a dedicated servant to Medea, opens the play with a prologue detailing Medea’s grievances and setting the stage for her ensuing turmoil. Her loyalty is unwavering, yet she expresses fear for the children’s safety, recognizing Medea’s volatile nature. The Nurse’s insights into Medea’s character and the household’s dynamics add depth to the unfolding tragedy.

A Chorus of Corinthian women

The Chorus of Corinthian women functions as a narrative device, providing commentary and perspective on the unfolding events. Initially sympathetic to Medea’s plight, they advocate for moderation and caution against the excesses of passion. Their interactions with characters like Jason highlight the societal norms and pressures at play, while their eventual resignation to the tragic events underscores the inevitability of fate within the narrative.

The tutor to Medea’s children

The tutor to Medea’s children, characterized by his loyalty and insight, supports the Nurse’s condemnation of Jason’s actions. His early conversation with the Nurse sets the tone for the play’s exploration of loyalty and betrayal, highlighting the cynicism that pervades the household.

A messenger

The Messenger plays a pivotal role in relaying the aftermath of Medea’s plan, describing in vivid detail the gruesome effects of the poisoned gifts on Creon and Glauce. His account not only confirms the success of Medea’s scheme but also amplifies the horror of her actions, serving as a chilling reminder of the play’s tragic trajectory.