Medea
In the narrative of the play, Medea emerges as its chief character, hailing from Colchis—an island in the Black Sea, viewed by the Greeks as a distant realm inhabited by barbarians. As both a sorceress and a princess, she wielded her magical abilities to assist Jason in acquiring the Golden Fleece. This unfolded into a passionate romance, leading her to abandon her homeland and family for a new life beside Jason in Iolcus, his city. Their escape across the Mediterranean was marked by a tragic act in which she killed her brother and cast him overboard, diverting their pursuers long enough for them to escape. Upon arriving in Iolcus, she cunningly influenced the daughters of Pelias, the local king and her rival, into killing their father. Following their exiling as murderers, Jason and Medea found refuge in Corinth, which serves as the backdrop for Euripides’ play, establishing a family with two children and initially gaining a respected standing. The drama unfolds with Jason’s betrayal; he leaves Medea to marry Glauce, prompting a deep emotional journey for Medea, spiraling from despair to vengeful fury. In her quest for vengeance, Medea commits a series of murders, culminating in the tragic slaying of her own children. Ultimately, the anguish of witnessing Jason’s suffering eclipses her own grief over their deaths.
Jason
While Jason may fit the mold of an antagonist, his shortcomings arise more from a lack of strength than outright malice. Formerly a hero of adventure, he chooses to abandon Medea in favor of marrying Glauce, the attractive daughter of Creon, the King of Corinth, in a misguided bid to enhance his social standing. This choice inadvertently incites Medea’s quest for revenge, leading to the demise of Glauce, Creon, and their children. Jason’s self-serving nature and feeble justifications for his actions render him an unlikable and pitiable figure.
Children
Representing the offspring of Jason and Medea, their portrayal is one of innocence and ignorance, blissfully unaware of the tragic turmoil enveloping them. Medea exploits their naivety as tools in her plot against Glauce and Creon, ultimately sealing their fate in a shocking climax. Their untimely deaths evoke profound pity, serving as the emotional core of the tragedy.
Chorus
The chorus, consisting of the women of Corinth, primarily functions as a commentator on the events of the play while occasionally participating in discussions. They express a deep empathy for Medea’s situation, although they struggle to comprehend her fateful decision to murder her own children.
Creon
As the sovereign of Corinth, Creon plays a pivotal yet minor role by banishing Medea from his city. His poignant moment of grief alongside his dying daughter creates a dramatic highlight, while his decision to expel Medea intensifies her motivations for revenge.
Glauce
Creon’s daughter, Glauce, represents the youthful allure that Jason seeks after abandoning Medea. Her acceptance of the toxic gifts from Medea inadvertently triggers the initial act of murder in the drama. Despite her silence throughout the play, Glauce exists as a constant reminder of Medea’s envy and wrath.
Aegeus
The King of Athens, Aegeus, passes through Corinth after consulting the Oracle at Delphi in search of a remedy for his infertility. In a significant pivot, he agrees to provide sanctuary to Medea in exchange for her assistance with fertility concoctions. His appearance marks a critical shift for Medea, who transforms from a mere victim into a calculating adversary after securing his promise of refuge.
Messenger
Only appearing briefly, the messenger delivers a chilling recount of Glauce and Creon’s gruesome fates, which unfold offstage and contribute to the play’s harrowing atmosphere.
Nurse
Serving as the children’s caretaker, the nurse plays the role of Medea’s confidante, voicing her concerns mainly at the beginning of the play and addressing various matters disconnected from the central narrative.
Tutor
A minor character, the tutor primarily functions as a messenger and is tasked with escorting the children between locations, providing little depth to the unfolding events.
