Medea is the exiled wife of Jason and a princess originally from the foreign land of Colchis. As a granddaughter of the sun god Helios, she possesses formidable magical abilities and a deep knowledge of poisons and spells. She lives in Corinth as a distrusted outsider, wrestling with her immense anger and grief over her husband's recent betrayal.

Jason is a celebrated Greek hero from Iolcus who originally secured the Golden Fleece with Medea's crucial help. He resides in Corinth and has decided to divorce Medea to marry the local princess, Creusa. He frequently justifies his choices as necessary for his survival and political standing, avoiding responsibility for the pain he causes.

Creon is the arrogant and powerful king of Corinth. He orchestrates Jason's new marriage to his daughter and views Medea with intense suspicion due to her foreign origins and history of violence. He acts as an absolute ruler who expects immediate compliance from those residing in his kingdom.

The Nurse is Medea's faithful companion, likely having traveled with her from Colchis. She occupies a lower social position and advocates for rational, cautious behavior in the face of injustice. She listens to Medea's grievances while consistently attempting to dissuade her mistress from taking extreme or violent action against the Corinthian rulers.

Creusa is the Corinthian princess and King Creon's daughter. She represents conventional Greek femininity and local aristocratic power. Her impending marriage to Jason triggers Medea's exile and rage.

The Chorus represents the citizens of Corinth who comment on the unfolding drama. They maintain a conservative, xenophobic perspective, expressing deep suspicion toward outsiders and the hazards of naval exploration. They fully support their local princess and view Medea as an unnatural, frightening presence.

The two young boys are the offspring of Jason and Medea. They live in Corinth and are caught in the middle of their parents' bitter separation. They represent both Jason's deep paternal affection and Medea's remaining ties to her betrayer.