Wicked Summary

Elphaba is born in the land of Oz with green skin and sharp teeth, a unique appearance that sets her apart from the start. As the daughter of a minister’s wife named Melena Thropp, she struggles with the challenges of her difference. Facing discrimination and feeling misunderstood during her childhood, Elphaba develops a strong temperament that both isolates and empowers her.

She eventually attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, a girl eager to climb the social ladder. Despite their contrasting personalities, they forge a complex friendship. At school, both girls become aware of political unrest led by the Wizard. Madame Morrible, the headmistress, wants them to support the government, but Elphaba chooses to resist, feeling a strong calling to stand against oppression.

Elphaba takes a bold step; she and Galinda travel to the Emerald City to confront the Wizard. However, when he dismisses their concerns, Elphaba decides to go into hiding. She finds herself drawn into an underground group that fights against the Wizard’s oppressive regime, aiming for liberty and fairness in Oz.

Five years later, Elphaba unexpectedly reunites with Prince Fiyero, a fellow student. Their relationship blossoms into a secret romance, though Fiyero is married. Devastating news strikes when Elphaba tries to confront Madame Morrible but is thwarted. Tragedy hits when Fiyero is captured and killed by the Wizard’s guards, leaving Elphaba shattered.

Grieving her loss, she seeks solace in a convent for several years. During this time, Elphaba discovers Liir, a boy implied to be Fiyero's son, who helps her navigate through her sorrow. Elphaba then makes the difficult decision to leave the convent and visit Fiyero’s family home, Kiamo Ko, hoping for forgiveness from his widow, Samira. However, Samira’s rejection adds more pain to Elphaba’s journey.

At Kiamo Ko, Elphaba starts to explore her magical abilities as she finds a spellbook known as the Grimmerie. Tensions run high as she lives under scrutiny from other family members, particularly because of her witch status. The struggles of her past reflect on her role as a mother to Liir and her challenges with acceptance by the rest of Fiyero's family.

The story also dives into the broader political issues of Oz, exploring the plight of animal inhabitants, and the nature of the Wizard’s deceptive rule. As Elphaba transforms into a powerful witch, her convictions transform too, as the former ruler of Oz's illusion unfolds around her life.

Through her relationships—with Galinda, Fiyero, and Liir—Elphaba’s journey weaves a tale of loss and resilience, helping to blur the lines between good and evil in a society fraught with complexity. Consequently, through her trials, Elphaba confronts dreadful choices while navigating her role in the world, culminating in her identity as the misunderstood Wicked Witch.

Ultimately, Wicked portrays Elphaba’s transformation from an outcast to a revolutionary figure, capturing her evolution set against a backdrop of conflict and connection within the mystical land of Oz.

Elphaba, labeled the Wicked Witch of the West, meets her end when Dorothy unwittingly throws water on her. This happens as she tries to extinguish a fire on Elphaba’s skirt caused by Elphaba's own broom flames. Unbeknownst to her, Elphaba's unusual allergy to water causes her to melt away. Prior to this tragic moment, Dorothy attempts to apologize for the death of Nessarose, Elphaba's sister, but is met with anger and rejection.

Following Elphaba’s demise, Dorothy returns to the Emerald City. There, she presents the Wizard with a green bottle found among Elphaba's belongings. This bottle reveals itself to be a potion the Wizard used years ago to incapacitate a woman. In a panic, the Wizard escapes Oz just in time, as whispers of a coup threaten his position. Chaos looms over Oz, leaving its fate shrouded in uncertainty.

Glinda confirms she sent Dorothy off with the ruby slippers, which catapulted Elphaba’s frustrations. In a meeting with the Wizard, Elphaba learns of his selfishness and indifference toward the plight of exiled families, including her own. As a result, her mission to thwart the Wizard’s plans ultimately fails, leading to a dark, unresolved conclusion.