Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Medea | Protagonist |
| Jason | Antagonist |
| Creon | Supporting character |
| Aegeus | Supporting character |
| Nurse | Supporting character |
| Tutor | Supporting character |
| Chorus | Supporting character |
Role Identification
In "Medea and Other Plays" by Euripides, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall plot and themes of the play. The protagonist, Medea, takes center stage as a vengeful and powerful woman. She is supported by characters such as Jason, Creon, Aegeus, the Nurse, Tutor, and the Chorus, who each play a significant role in Medea's story.
Character Descriptions
Medea
Medea is a complex character who is both a victim and a perpetrator. She is a strong-willed and intelligent woman who is deeply hurt by Jason's betrayal. Medea is portrayed as a sorceress with a vengeful nature, willing to go to extreme lengths to exact her revenge. She is depicted as a passionate and resourceful woman, capable of manipulating others to achieve her goals.
Jason
Jason is Medea's husband who abandons her to marry another woman, Glauce, the daughter of King Creon. He is portrayed as a cunning and ambitious man who is willing to sacrifice everything, including his marriage and children, for personal gain. Jason represents the archetype of the unfaithful and selfish husband, and his actions serve as a catalyst for Medea's revenge.
Creon
Creon is the King of Corinth and the father of Glauce. He plays a supporting role in the play, representing the authority and power that Medea must challenge and manipulate to achieve her revenge. Creon is depicted as a pragmatic ruler who is initially sympathetic towards Medea but later becomes an antagonist when he tries to banish her.
Aegeus
Aegeus is the King of Athens and a friend of Medea's. He plays a minor but important role in the play. Aegeus offers Medea sanctuary in Athens, providing her with a potential escape from Corinth. He represents a glimmer of hope for Medea and adds an element of suspense to the story.
Nurse
The Nurse is a loyal servant and confidante to Medea. She acts as a narrator and provides insight into Medea's emotions and actions. The Nurse is depicted as a compassionate and understanding character who tries to reason with Medea but ultimately cannot prevent her from seeking revenge.
Tutor
The Tutor is a loyal servant to Medea and acts as a source of information and advice. He provides Medea with guidance on how to carry out her plans for revenge. The Tutor is depicted as a wise and cautious character who understands the consequences of Medea's actions but supports her nonetheless.
Chorus
The Chorus consists of a group of Corinthian women who serve as a collective voice throughout the play. They provide commentary on the events unfolding and offer insights into the societal expectations and norms of the time. The Chorus represents the voice of reason and morality, often questioning Medea's actions and expressing sympathy for her victims.
Character Traits
Medea is characterized by her intelligence, cunning, and vengeful nature. She is resourceful and determined, willing to manipulate others to achieve her goals. Jason is portrayed as ambitious, selfish, and unfaithful, driven by his desire for power and status. Creon represents authority and pragmatism, while Aegeus embodies hope and friendship. The Nurse is compassionate and loyal, the Tutor is wise and cautious, and the Chorus represents societal norms and morality.
Character Background
Medea, a princess of Colchis, fell in love with Jason when he arrived in her kingdom seeking the Golden Fleece. She helped him obtain the fleece and fled with him, betraying her family and killing her brother in the process. Medea and Jason settled in Corinth and had two children. However, Jason later abandons Medea to marry Glauce, the daughter of King Creon.
Character Arcs
Medea's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play. At the beginning, she is a scorned and betrayed wife seeking revenge. As the story unfolds, Medea's desire for revenge intensifies, leading her to commit heinous acts, including the murder of her own children. Medea's character arc showcases the destructive power of revenge and the depths to which a person can descend when driven by hatred and betrayal.
Relationships
The relationship between Medea and Jason is central to the play. Their marriage starts as a passionate love affair but deteriorates due to Jason's infidelity and betrayal. Their strained relationship becomes the catalyst for Medea's revenge and sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold.
The relationship between Medea and Creon is one of power dynamics. Medea manipulates Creon to secure her own freedom and ensure her revenge. The relationship between Medea and Aegeus represents friendship and a glimmer of hope for Medea's future.
The Nurse and Tutor serve as loyal servants and confidantes to Medea, supporting her in her quest for revenge. The Chorus represents the collective voice of Corinthian women, reflecting the societal expectations and norms of the time.
Conclusion
In "Medea and Other Plays" by Euripides, the characters play vital roles in driving the plot forward and exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Medea, as the protagonist, undergoes a dramatic transformation fueled by her desire for revenge. The other characters, such as Jason, Creon, Aegeus, the Nurse, Tutor, and the Chorus, each contribute to the development of Medea's character and the overall tragic arc of the play.
