The Messenger Character Analysis in Medea

The Messenger is one of Jason's men and so formerly of Medea's household. He is, therefore, somewhat sympathetic to her wishes and needs. His main function is to relate the gruesome events that took place at the palace in vivid detail after Medea's plot to kill the Princess and Creon is successful.

The Messenger Character Timeline in Medea

The timeline below shows where the character The Messenger appears in Medea. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Medea addresses the Chorus members as friends and says that she sees the Messenger from the palace, one of Jason's servants, whom she's been awaiting. He is agitated and... (full context)

The Messenger asks Medea if she is mad for celebrating news of Creon and the Princess's deaths—doesn't... (full context)

Some servants, the Messenger says, kissed the children's hair, others their hands. He himself was overjoyed and followed the... (full context)

Seeing the fine gifts, the Messenger says, the Princess agreed to all Jason asked. Jason left the room and she put... (full context)

But, the Messenger continues, when the attendant saw that the Princess was frothing at the mouth, that her... (full context)

The Princess, the Messenger says, could not get the crown off. She fell and gruesomely died. The servants, having... (full context)

Human affairs, the Messenger philosophizes, are only shadows. No mortal is happy. One can only be more or less... (full context)