When observing relationships, the onlooker's sympathies can change from one person to another in a matter of seconds. Situations change, motives which can be hidden are revealed, and time affects outcomes. Other people can influence certain opinions, therefore making it difficult to consistently feel for only one side of the argument. Throughout Medea, the audience's sympathies are shifted between Medea and Jason, with Jason ultimately emerging as the character with which most of the audience would side.
             In the beginning of the play, the audience's sympathies are extended towards Medea. Before Medea is introduced, the Nurse explains why Medea is in great agony. She tells how Medea and Jason once had a wonderful relationship and everything started out well. Speaking of her mistress, she says, "...she will neither eat nor drink, except her own tears, She turns her face towards the earth, remembering her father's house and her native land, which she abandoned for the love of this man: who now despises her." (86) This shows how deeply depressed Medea is and the strong wording conveys Jason's hatred for her. The audience is also more likely to sympathize with Medea in the beginning of the play because they have yet to meet her character and see her determination for vengeance.
             Medea is greatly sympathized when she is banished from Corinth because of the knowledge that her innocent children were to be exiled as well. When Creon tells her that she and her children are banished, she prays, "...I am praying to my gods for wisdom, And you for mercy. My sons are still very young, tender and helpless." (91) This obviously puts Medea in a stressful situation because she does not want her sons to suffer for something they had nothing to do with. Audiences naturally sympathize with the innocent and pity is felt for Medea because she has no control over the punishment.
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