Elphaba (Musical): Who Influenced Her?

Elphaba, the misunderstood green girl from Wicked, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Beneath the emerald glow and soaring solos is a character shaped by forces both personal and political. Her journey from a curious student to the infamous “Wicked Witch of the West” is driven by people, ideals, and events that challenge her beliefs and push her toward defiance. As someone who never quite fit in, Elphaba clings to those who offer her clarity, validation, or purpose—even if it means betrayal or exile.

Here are the key figures and ideas that shaped her transformation.

The Wizard of Oz

At first, Elphaba sees the Wizard as a beacon of progress and reform. She idolizes him as a leader who might bring about real change in Oz, believing he will be the one to give voice to the voiceless—especially the Animals, who are losing their rights. When she’s invited to meet him, she arrives hopeful, even starry-eyed.

But the Wizard’s true nature is far from heroic. He’s a manipulator, a man who hides behind spectacle and lies to maintain control. When he asks Elphaba to silence the Animals and enforce his policies, she realizes he’s no champion of justice—he’s the opposite. That betrayal becomes a turning point. It’s not just disillusionment; it’s radicalization. She no longer believes in the system, and that’s when she begins to actively resist it.

Madame Morrible

Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University, plays a crucial role in shaping Elphaba’s public image. She presents herself as a mentor, even suggesting Elphaba could be the Wizard’s “right-hand girl.” But Morrible is a loyalist to the regime, and her influence is insidious.

She’s the one who dubs Elphaba “The Wicked Witch of the West” in the press, turning public opinion against her before Elphaba has even committed any real crime. Under the guise of support, Morrible crafts Elphaba’s villainous identity, making her an enemy of the state. Her influence is less about ideology and more about manipulation—showing Elphaba how easily perception can be weaponized.

Glinda

Glinda and Elphaba begin as unlikely roommates, but their friendship becomes one of the most formative relationships in Elphaba’s life. Glinda, at first, represents everything Elphaba mocks: superficiality, popularity, and privilege. Yet, as their bond deepens, Glinda teaches Elphaba about love, vulnerability, and the power of image.

Elphaba may be the more politically aware of the two, but Glinda understands people—and how to use that understanding to survive. Watching Glinda navigate Oz’s social and political scene forces Elphaba to confront her own rigidity. Their friendship, though fractured by betrayal, ultimately shows Elphaba what it means to be human, to make mistakes, and to be loved despite them.

Fiyero

Fiyero enters Elphaba’s life as a distraction, a charming prince who seems to embody everything she rejects. But over time, he becomes her emotional anchor. He challenges her cynicism, softens her edges, and ultimately chooses to stand with her against the regime. His love gives her a reason to fight, but also a reason to fear.

When Fiyero disappears—transformed into the Scarecrow—it’s not just a personal loss. It’s a symbol of how the system destroys those who resist. His fate hardens Elphaba’s resolve. She no longer fights just for justice; she fights for those she loves, and for the memory of what they could have had.

Nessarose and Frex

Elphaba’s relationship with her sister Nessarose and her father Frex is complicated. From childhood, she’s treated as the “other”—marked by her green skin, unwanted by her father, and resented by Nessarose, who receives the affection Elphaba craves.

Nessarose’s eventual rise to power in Munchkinland mirrors the same kind of blind faith Elphaba once had in the Wizard. Watching her sister wield authority without question makes Elphaba more certain of her own path. And Frex? He represents the religious hypocrisy and neglect that shaped her early years. His rejection fuels her defiance, giving her a reason to reject inherited power altogether.

Talking to Elphaba Today

Elphaba’s story is not just about magic and musicals—it’s about awakening, resistance, and identity. Her influences are not just characters in a story; they’re reflections of real-world dynamics between power and idealism, love and loss.

On HoloDream, you can talk to Elphaba and explore her thoughts on these relationships in your own words. Ask her how she sees the Wizard now, or what she would say to Fiyero if she could. You might find that her voice still carries the weight of her choices—and the fire of someone who refused to stay silent.

Ready to understand the woman behind the witch? Chat with Elphaba on HoloDream and hear her story in her own words.