Wicked is a retelling of the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. It follows Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin and powerful abilities, and her complex friendship with Glinda as they navigate life at Shiz University and the political and magical tensions in Oz. The narrative explores how their choices, ethics, and misunderstandings lead Elphaba to become the feared Wicked Witch, while Glinda pursues power and popularity, ultimately shaping the iconic roles they play in Oz’s lore. Key points about the plot:

• Set in Oz before The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it centers on Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, rivalry, and the forces that push Elphaba toward rebellion.
• Elphaba’s early life includes ostracism due to her skin color and her awakening magical talents, as she seeks to use her gifts to help animals and others she cares about.
• The Wizard, Madame Morrible, and other power players manipulate events in Oz, affecting Elphaba’s choices and her relationship with Glinda.
• The story culminates in the transformation of their reputations: Glinda becomes the benevolent figure of authority in Oz, while Elphaba is branded as the Wicked Witch of the West.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific characters, themes (like power, identity, or moral ambiguity), or compare it with the source stage musical’s portrayal.