Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the stage musical Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, which premiered on Broadway in 2003, and the 2024 film Wicked: Part I. You have been warned. Proceed with caution because no one mourns a whiner.
Elphaba Thropp
Fast Facts
With his debut adult novel, Gregory Maguire set out to explore the nature of evil by writing a bildungsroman tale in the style of Dickens, chronicling the life of the woman known as the Wicked Witch of the West from birth to death. The resulting narrative is a thorough and complex deconstruction of the villainous antagonist known best as Margaret Hamilton’s on-screen portrayal in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
First of all, Maguire gives her a name. “Elphaba” was inspired by L. Frank Baum’s initials, L-F-B, taking a page from Baum’s found-text naming of Oz (the letters on his alphabetically-organized filing cabinet label, O-Z). By giving her a name, Maguire imbues the character with individual agency and personality entirely separate from her reputation and the purpose she serves in Dorothy’s story.
RELATED: Wicked‘s Newest Trailer Defies Gravity
The musical stage adaptation took dramatic (and arguably necessary) license with the book’s plot and characters. However, Elphaba’s magical talent and moral compass remain constant through the transformation from book to musical — also, her stubbornness. Her connection to the Animals of Oz guides her choices as they become victims of political plotting. Her refusal to do what’s deemed “good” at the cost of doing what’s right gives the Wizard the fuel with which to paint her as “wicked” and Public Enemy #1.
The Real Deal
Elphaba lives her life as an outsider. In the novel, she is rejected by her mother and bullied by the other children. Despite the social and emotional hardships — maybe because of them — Elphaba leans in on her keen intelligence and abilities. Unlike in the film, Elphaba earns her place at Shiz University before Nessarosa ever considers attending. Her “charmed” circle of friends recognizes her strengths and supports her ambitions.
RELATED: It’s Gonna Be Popular: First Wicked Trailer Debuts
When the Nazi-like persecution of Animals affects the staff at Shiz, Elphaba is the first to cry foul. She refuses to accept the newly imposed order and decries Dillamond’s murder even after the official cause of death is deemed accidental. Meeting the Wizard is a turning point for Elphaba in both book and stage/film versions, although for different reasons. However, in all situations, it results in her taking a stand to unmask his wrongdoings.
Why She Matters
Elphaba Thropp overcomes the hate and villainy in Oz with a clear vision of what is right and an irresistible compulsion to act on it. It costs her friends and family and political power. She dares to stand up for the persecuted in the face of overwhelming pressure. Her courage fuels the powers only she can tap into.
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In posing the question of who is seen as “good” and “wicked,” Elphaba Thropp defies the gravity of public opinion to do the right thing. She matters because she refuses to bow to the political agenda, choosing instead to champion the downtrodden and demeaned. Because she grew up depending on herself, she knows she has the strength to do what needs doing. Her faith in herself sustains the hope of a world.
Wicked: Part 1 is in theatres now, and Wicked (Sing-Along) premieres on Christmas Day.
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