Elphaba is a fictional character most famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West , its Broadway musical adaptation, and upcoming film adaptations. She is a reimagined version of the traditionally villainous witch from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , given a detailed backstory and portrayed with complexity and sympathy.
Key points about Elphaba:
- She is characterized by her distinctive green skin and dark attire, modeled after the classic 1939 film portrayal by Margaret Hamilton.
- Her name "Elphaba" derives from the phonetic pronunciation of L. Frank Baum's initials (L.F.B.) to honor the original author.
- Psychologically, Elphaba represents the archetype of the rebel who resists societal norms and challenges injustice, especially standing up for oppressed groups like the Animals in Oz.
- Throughout her story in Wicked , she evolves from an isolated and misunderstood outcast — rejected for her green skin and differences — into a powerful figure falsely branded as "wicked" by a corrupt Wizard who fears her influence.
- Her relationships are central to her story, notably her difficult but ultimately deep friendship with Glinda (the Good Witch) and her complicated feelings for Fiyero, a prince.
- Elphaba is highly intelligent, brave, and morally driven, often struggling with loneliness and the burden of her reputation while trying to do what she believes is right.
In summary, Elphaba is a strong, complex anti-heroine and symbol of standing up against injustice, whose story reframes the classic "wicked witch" as a misunderstood and tragic figure.
