What is the audience supposed to think about Faustus after the chorus?

We are initially not introduced directly to Faustus himself, but to the idea that he is 'not' extraordinary and does not compare to greatness, Marlowe creates this negative image by repeating 'nor' and reciting what he does not live up too, whereas typically we would expect the opposite from a chorus. It could be interpreted that Marlowe does this to add suspense, but another argument could be that this alternative beginning symbolises that Faustus will not be typical of Gothic protagonists. Marlowe immediately gives us a mixed impression of Faustus, 'good or bad' which almost questions the audience to whether they will condemn his actions or empathise with him.

It becomes clear from an early stage we should be 'patient' in our 'judgements' of Faustus. Marlowe gives us a humble impression of Faustus initailly, 'his parents base of stock,' pulling him away from a traditional Gothic protaganist and allowing the audience to feel as though they are on a level with him and he is not above them in social status. We are also encouraged as an audience to look at whether his fate was inevitable, as Marlowe suggests the 'heavens conspired his overthrow,' which although is not in direct relation to Faustus, it still invokes pity in relation to him.

However, as we continue, we hear of his intelligence, 'to Wertenberg he went' which makes us question his personality, and whether his intelligence is dangerous. Those fears for the audience are soon realised as Marlowe talks of his 'self-conciet' and how he 'glutted.' It is  then up to the audience's interpretation of whether he has always been an evil person, or whether external influences have corrupted him. Marlowe compares his initial love of theology, 'heavenly matters of theology,' with his later passion for magic, 'nothing so sweet as magic,' arguably this suggests his gluttony swallows him, reminding the audience that he is a flawed character.

Overall, as an audience it is clear we are meant to be left with a mixed opinion of Faustus. We are meant to debate whether he is a victim or a wholly evil character. However it appears Marlowe would prefer us to go in to the play without judging too harshly, and perhaps try and put ourselves in the place of Faustus to empathise with him.