"Yellow Brick War" Characters Analysis

Yellow Brick War: Character Analysis

Yellow Brick War, written by Danielle Paige, is the third book in the Dorothy Must Die series. The story is a unique twist on the classic Wizard of Oz tale, introducing readers to a world where Dorothy has turned evil and Oz is in chaos. In this character analysis, we will delve into the various characters that make up this captivating story.

List of Characters

1. Amy Gumm - The protagonist and narrator of the story. She is a young girl from Kansas who finds herself transported to Oz and is chosen to be the one to defeat Dorothy.
2. Dorothy Gale - The main antagonist of the series. Once the beloved heroine of Oz, Dorothy has become power-hungry and tyrannical.
3. Nox - A mysterious and brooding boy who becomes Amy's ally and romantic interest. He is part of the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, a group fighting against Dorothy.
4. The Scarecrow - One of Dorothy's main henchmen, he is no longer the gentle and kind character from the original story. He is now a ruthless and cunning villain.
5. Glinda - The former Good Witch of the South, Glinda is now aligned with Dorothy and assists her in her quest for power.
6. Mombi - A witch who serves as Dorothy's right-hand woman. She is cunning and manipulative.
7. Ozma - The rightful ruler of Oz, who has been imprisoned by Dorothy. She plays a crucial role in the story as Amy's ally.
8. Polychrome - The daughter of the Rainbow Fairy, she is a colorful and lively character who aids Amy in her journey.
9. Lulu - A winged monkey who befriends Amy and helps her along the way.
10. Maude - Amy's mother, who is trapped in Kansas and serves as a source of motivation for Amy.

Role Identification

In Yellow Brick War, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. Amy Gumm serves as the courageous and determined protagonist, driving the story forward as she fights against Dorothy's tyranny. Dorothy Gale, on the other hand, serves as the primary antagonist, embodying evil and power.

Nox, the Scarecrow, and Glinda play significant supporting roles, each with their own motivations and alliances. Nox serves as Amy's ally and love interest, providing her with guidance and support. The Scarecrow, once a symbol of wisdom, is now a treacherous villain who aids Dorothy in her quest for control. Glinda, once a symbol of goodness, has aligned herself with Dorothy, adding complexity to her character.

Ozma, Polychrome, and Lulu represent the resistance against Dorothy's rule. Ozma, the rightful ruler of Oz, is imprisoned by Dorothy, and her liberation becomes a crucial goal for Amy. Polychrome and Lulu provide friendship and assistance to Amy throughout her journey.

Character Descriptions

Amy Gumm, the protagonist, is a brave and resourceful young girl with a troubled past. She possesses a strong sense of justice and is determined to save Oz from Dorothy's tyranny. Amy's physical appearance is described as having long, dark hair and a determined expression.

Dorothy Gale, once a symbol of innocence and goodness, has transformed into a cold and power-hungry villain. She is described as having blonde hair, but her appearance has changed, reflecting her darker nature. Dorothy's eyes, once sparkling with kindness, are now cold and calculating.

Nox, a mysterious and attractive boy, has dark hair and a brooding demeanor. He is often seen wearing dark clothing and possesses a certain air of danger. Despite his tough exterior, Nox has a vulnerable side and forms a deep connection with Amy.

The Scarecrow, a former ally turned enemy, is described as tall and menacing. His straw-filled body has become more grotesque, and his once friendly face is now twisted with malice.

Glinda, once known for her beauty and elegance, has become more sinister. She is described as regal and commanding, with an air of superiority.

Character Traits

Amy Gumm is characterized by her bravery, determination, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remains steadfast in her mission to defeat Dorothy and protect Oz. Amy's loyalty and compassion shine through her actions, as she forms meaningful connections with the various characters she encounters.

Dorothy Gale embodies traits such as manipulation, cruelty, and ambition. She uses her former innocence and charm to deceive others and maintain control over Oz. Dorothy's thirst for power drives her to commit heinous acts, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.

Nox possesses a mysterious and enigmatic personality. He is protective of Amy and exhibits loyalty and selflessness in his actions. Nox's internal struggles and complex past add depth to his character.

The Scarecrow is cunning, calculating, and ruthless. He uses his intelligence to further Dorothy's agenda, manipulating others to achieve his goals.

Glinda is characterized by her arrogance and thirst for power. She believes in her own superiority and is willing to ally herself with evil to maintain control.

Character Background

Amy Gumm comes from a troubled background in Kansas. She grew up in a dysfunctional family, surrounded by poverty and neglect. This difficult upbringing has shaped her into a resilient and independent individual.

Dorothy Gale, originally the hero of Oz, was corrupted by the power she gained upon returning to Kansas. She returned to Oz with a newfound thirst for control, becoming the ruthless ruler she is in Yellow Brick War.

Nox, though initially mysterious, reveals his background as a member of the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. He has experienced loss and betrayal, which motivates him to fight against Dorothy's rule.

The Scarecrow, once a trusted companion of Dorothy, has transformed into a villain. His backstory is not explicitly explored in Yellow Brick War, but it can be inferred that he was swayed by Dorothy's promises of power.

Glinda, formerly known as the Good Witch of the South, was seduced by Dorothy's promises of power and control. Her background as a former ally of Dorothy adds complexity to her character.

Character Arcs

Amy Gumm's character arc is one of growth and self-discovery. She starts as a reluctant hero, unsure of her abilities and the role she must play. Throughout the series, she learns to embrace her power and confront her fears, ultimately becoming a strong and capable leader.

Dorothy Gale's character arc takes her from the innocent and beloved heroine of Oz to a power-hungry and corrupt ruler. Her descent into darkness highlights the consequences of unchecked power and serves as a cautionary tale.

Nox's character arc involves overcoming personal demons and finding redemption. He starts as a mysterious and guarded character but gradually opens up to Amy and learns to trust again.

The Scarecrow's character arc showcases the dangers of ambition and the corruption that power can bring. Once a symbol of wisdom, he becomes a puppet of Dorothy's, losing his own sense of self along the way.

Glinda's character arc explores the complexities of her choices and the consequences of aligning with evil. She is forced to confront her own moral compass and question her loyalty to Dorothy.

Relationships

Amy Gumm forms various relationships throughout the book that shape her journey. Her bond with Nox evolves from initial distrust to a deep and meaningful connection. Their relationship serves as a source of strength and support for both characters.

Amy's relationship with Dorothy is one of constant opposition and conflict. Dorothy sees Amy as a threat and goes to great lengths to eliminate her. This adversarial relationship drives the story forward and adds tension to the narrative.

The relationships between Amy and the other characters, such as Ozma, Polychrome, and Lulu, provide moments of friendship and camaraderie in the midst of chaos. These connections serve as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and unity in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Yellow Brick War presents readers with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and motivations. Through their interactions and character arcs, Danielle Paige weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of power, corruption, and the resilience of the human spirit.