"Out of Oz" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Out of Oz" by Gregory Maguire, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative of the story. The main characters are Elphaba, Glinda, Liir, Dorothy, Fiyero, The Wizard, Madame Morrible, Brrr, and Nor.

Character Descriptions

Elphaba

Elphaba is the protagonist of the story and the Wicked Witch of the West. She is characterized as green-skinned and misunderstood, often seen as wicked due to her appearance. Elphaba is intelligent, independent, and fiercely passionate about fighting for justice and equality.

Glinda

Glinda, also known as Galinda, is a close friend of Elphaba and starts off as her roommate at Shiz University. She is portrayed as beautiful, popular, and bubbly. Glinda initially appears shallow and self-centered but later shows growth and compassion.

Liir

Liir is Elphaba's son, born out of a complicated relationship. He is a troubled and confused character, struggling with his identity and purpose. Liir is often torn between doing what is right and seeking his own identity.

Dorothy

Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas who is transported to the magical land of Oz. She plays a significant role in the story, although she is not the main character. Dorothy is depicted as innocent, naive, and determined to find her way back home.

Fiyero

Fiyero is a prince and Elphaba's love interest. He initially appears as a carefree and reckless character but later undergoes personal growth and becomes more compassionate and understanding.

The Wizard

The Wizard is the ruler of Oz and wields great political power. He is a complex character who manipulates others to maintain his control. The Wizard is driven by his desire for power and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.

Madame Morrible

Madame Morrible is a professor at Shiz University and later becomes a high-ranking official in the government of Oz. She is portrayed as cunning and manipulative, using her position to further her own agenda.

Brrr

Brrr, also known as the Cowardly Lion, is a companion of Dorothy and plays a significant role in the story. He starts off as fearful and lacking courage but learns to overcome his fears and find bravery.

Nor

Nor is a minor character in the story, a loyal servant of Elphaba. He provides support and assistance to Elphaba throughout her journey.

Character Traits

Elphaba

• Intelligent
• Independent
• Passionate
• Determined
• Compassionate

Glinda

• Beautiful
• Popular
• Bubbly
• Shallow (initially)
• Compassionate (later)

Liir

• Troubled
• Confused
• Torn
• Searching for identity
• Loyal

Dorothy

• Innocent
• Naive
• Determined
• Curious
• Resourceful

Fiyero

• Carefree
• Reckless
• Compassionate
• Understanding
• Loyal

The Wizard

• Manipulative
• Power-hungry
• Calculating
• Deceptive
• Opportunistic

Madame Morrible

• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Ambitious
• Intelligent
• Ruthless

Brrr

• Fearful
• Lacking courage
• Brave (later)
• Loyal
• Protective

Nor

• Loyal
• Supportive
• Trustworthy
• Reliable
• Helpful

Character Background

Elphaba

Elphaba was born to a union between a Munchkinlander minister and a Quadling woman. She is born with green skin, which leads to her being ostracized and misunderstood throughout her life. Elphaba's upbringing and experiences shape her into a strong-willed and determined individual.

Glinda

Glinda comes from a wealthy and influential family in Oz. She attends Shiz University, where she meets Elphaba and forms a complex friendship with her. Glinda's privileged background initially influences her behavior, but she learns and grows from her experiences.

Liir

Liir is the son of Elphaba, conceived during her time with Fiyero. His parentage is a source of confusion and uncertainty for him. Liir's childhood is marked by tragedy and loss, which contributes to his troubled nature.

Dorothy

Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas who is swept away to the magical land of Oz by a tornado. Her background is simple and ordinary compared to the fantastical world she encounters. Dorothy's determination to find her way back home drives her actions throughout the story.

Fiyero

Fiyero is a prince from the Vinkus region of Oz. He meets Elphaba at Shiz University and falls in love with her. Fiyero's background is one of privilege and entitlement, but his experiences alongside Elphaba challenge his beliefs and transform him.

The Wizard

The Wizard is a mysterious figure who arrives in Oz and establishes himself as a powerful ruler. His true background and intentions are gradually revealed throughout the story. The Wizard's thirst for power drives his actions and manipulations of others.

Madame Morrible

Madame Morrible is a professor at Shiz University who later becomes a high-ranking official in the government of Oz. Her background is not extensively explored, but her ambition and intelligence contribute to her rise in power.

Brrr

Brrr, also known as the Cowardly Lion, is a creature native to Oz. His background is not explicitly detailed, but his journey alongside Dorothy allows him to confront his fears and discover his true courage.

Nor

Nor's background is not extensively explored in the story. He serves as a loyal and supportive companion to Elphaba, providing assistance and guidance when needed.

Character Arcs

Elphaba

Elphaba's character arc revolves around her journey from misunderstood outcast to a symbol of resistance and hope. She starts off as a young woman searching for her purpose and identity, but her experiences lead her to become a fierce advocate for justice and equality.

Glinda

Glinda's character arc involves her transformation from a shallow and self-centered individual to a compassionate and understanding friend. Through her friendship with Elphaba and the events that unfold, Glinda learns to see beyond surface-level appearances and prioritize what truly matters.

Liir

Liir's character arc centers around his search for identity and belonging. He starts off as a troubled and confused individual but gradually learns to accept himself and his connection to Elphaba. Liir's journey is one of self-discovery and growth.

Dorothy

Dorothy's character arc focuses on her determination to find her way back home. Throughout her adventures in Oz, she grows from a naive and innocent girl into a resourceful and resilient young woman. Dorothy's journey teaches her valuable life lessons and shapes her character.

Fiyero

Fiyero's character arc involves his personal growth and transformation through his relationship with Elphaba. He starts off as a carefree and reckless character but learns empathy and compassion through his experiences alongside Elphaba. Fiyero's journey challenges his beliefs and leads to his evolution as a person.

The Wizard

The Wizard's character arc revolves around his quest for power and control. He starts off as a manipulative and deceptive ruler, but as the story unfolds, his true intentions and background are revealed. The Wizard's arc showcases the consequences of his actions and the eventual downfall of his reign.

Madame Morrible

Madame Morrible's character arc follows her rise to power and subsequent downfall. She starts off as an ambitious and cunning professor, but her thirst for influence leads her down a path of corruption. Madame Morrible's arc highlights the consequences of her actions and the eventual loss of her power.

Brrr

Brrr's character arc centers around his journey from fear to bravery. He starts off as a fearful and timid character but gains courage through his experiences alongside Dorothy. Brrr's arc showcases his transformation and growth as he learns to confront his fears.

Nor

Nor's character arc is not as prominent as some of the other characters. He serves as a loyal companion to Elphaba and provides support throughout her journey.

Relationships

Elphaba and Glinda

The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is a complex and evolving one. They start off as roommates at Shiz University and, despite their differences, form a genuine friendship. Their contrasting personalities and life experiences often lead to conflicts, but they also support and understand each other in crucial moments.

Elphaba and Liir

Elphaba's relationship with her son, Liir, is complicated due to the circumstances of his birth. She initially struggles to connect with him and understand her role as a mother. However, as the story progresses, their bond deepens, and Elphaba becomes a source of guidance and protection for Liir.

Elphaba and Fiyero

Elphaba and Fiyero's relationship is a central romantic connection in the story. Their love for each other is passionate but also fraught with challenges. Their differing backgrounds and beliefs create tension, but their connection remains strong throughout their individual character arcs.

Elphaba and The Wizard

Elphaba's relationship with The Wizard is one of opposition and conflict. She sees through his manipulations and opposes his oppressive rule. Their interactions highlight the power dynamics and political struggles within the story.

Glinda and Fiyero

Glinda and Fiyero initially have a romantic connection, but their relationship evolves into a deep friendship. They share a bond through their shared experiences with Elphaba and their growth as individuals. Glinda's friendship provides Fiyero with support and understanding.

Dorothy and Brrr

Dorothy and Brrr form a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of Oz together. Brrr initially lacks courage but finds inspiration in Dorothy's determination. Their relationship showcases the power of friendship and the importance of support in overcoming obstacles.

Elphaba and Madame Morrible

Elphaba and Madame Morrible have a contentious relationship. Madame Morrible initially serves as a mentor figure to Elphaba but later becomes a manipulative adversary. Their interactions illustrate the power struggles and moral conflicts within the story.

Elphaba and Nor

Elphaba and Nor's relationship is one of loyalty and support. Nor serves as a trusted companion to Elphaba, providing guidance and assistance throughout her journey. Their bond exemplifies the importance of reliable allies in times of adversity.

In conclusion, "Out of Oz" by Gregory Maguire features a diverse cast of characters with complex relationships and individual character arcs. Elphaba, Glinda, Liir, Dorothy, Fiyero, The Wizard, Madame Morrible, Brrr, and Nor each contribute to the overall narrative and offer unique perspectives on themes of identity, power, and friendship.