Final answer:
Medea murders her children to exact revenge on her husband Jason. Her vengeful acts are detailed in Euripides' tragedy 'Medea', where she is shown to be both criminal and rational.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Medea, from Greek mythology and later works of drama, is known for committing horrendous acts when betrayed by her husband Jason. Medea murders her children as an act of revenge against Jason, who betrays her love for another woman. These actions are explored in Euripides' tragedy Medea, where she also sends a poisoned cloak to Jason's new bride, causing her death and the death of her father who tries to save her.
Medea's character is often seen as a combination of being a criminal and being rational with her actions, driven by a complex interplay of intense emotions and calculated revenge. Her story touches on themes of betrayal, retribution, and the extremities of human behavior when consumed by vengeance.