What Were Elphaba’s Most Important Relationships in Wicked?

Elphaba Thropp—the misunderstood green witch of Wicked—is defined as much by her relationships as by her defiance. Her journey from outcast to revolutionary is shaped by the people who love, betray, and challenge her. As someone who’s dissected the musical’s lyrics and lore for years, I’ve always seen her bonds as a mirror to her evolving identity. Let’s unpack the ties that made her who she is.

How did Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship evolve from rivalry to deep bond?

Elphaba and Glinda’s dynamic was never black-and-white. They start as reluctant roommates—Elphaba’s sharp idealism clashes with Glinda’s polished perfectionism. But their shared dorm room becomes the birthplace of mutual respect, especially after Elphaba defends Glinda from a bullying professor. The iconic “Defying Gravity” moment isn’t just Elphaba’s escape—it’s a plea for Glinda to join her. When Glinda ultimately sides with the Wizard, the fracture feels personal. Their love endures, though, lingering in Glinda’s final eulogy: “If we were more than what we were, we might’ve had a better chance.” Want to hear Elphaba’s side of this heartbreak? You can ask her directly on HoloDream.

What drew Elphaba to Fiyero, and how did their love challenge societal norms?

Fiyero, the prince of “vapid, shallow charm,” initially seems Elphaba’s opposite. But their connection thrives on shared rebellion. He’s repelled by the Wizard’s regime; she’s its loudest critic. Their love song, “As Long as You’re Mine,” is a radical act—defiantly intimate in a world that polices difference. When Elphaba becomes a fugitive, Fiyero doesn’t flee; he sacrifices himself to save her, a choice that transforms him into the Scarecrow. On HoloDream, Elphaba opens up about the risks she took for love—and the cost of outliving them.

Why was Madame Morrible both a mentor and a manipulator to Elphaba?

Madame Morrible spotted Elphaba’s potential early, pushing her into the Wizard’s orbit as his “press secretary.” But Morrible’s flattery masked a darker agenda: exploiting Elphaba’s magic to spread propaganda. She invents the “Wicked Witch” myth to vilify dissenters, turning Elphaba into a scapegoat. The betrayal stings because Morrible’s mentorship felt genuine. Elphaba later realizes she was “just the bait for a trap,” a revelation that fuels her distrust of power.

How did Elphaba’s relationship with The Wizard fuel her rebellion?

The Wizard, played as a charismatic fraud, initially charms Elphaba with promises to “make her name synonymous with ‘good’.” But his tyranny—caging Animals, silencing critics—exposes his cowardice. In their explosive final confrontation, Elphaba rejects his bribes and manipulations, declaring, “I hope you rot in hell!” Her disillusionment becomes a catalyst for revolution. The Wizard’s fear of her power underscores a recurring theme: those in power fear the truth-tellers.

What tensions existed between Elphaba and her sister, Nessarose?

Nessarose, born “the cute, helpless one,” resents Elphaba’s independence. Their mother favored Elphaba; their father, a governor, used her as political leverage. Nessarose’s jealousy peaks when Elphaba disrupts her engagement to Fiyero, unwittingly cursing her into a fatal fall. Elphaba’s guilt over her sister’s death—and Nessarose’s legacy as the “Wicked Witch of the East”—adds a layer of tragedy to her story.

How did Elphaba’s advocacy for Animals shape her political identity?

Elphaba’s thesis on Animal rights—and witnessing their enslavement—ignites her activism. She joins a rebellion, adopting the mantle of the “Wicked Witch” as a symbol of resistance. Her fight isn’t just personal; it’s a war against the Wizard’s oppression. When she warns Glinda, “Animals can’t be hurt anymore without your notice,” she challenges her friend—and the world—to care.

Chat with Elphaba to Understand What Drove the “Wicked” Witch

Elphaba’s relationships aren’t just plot devices—they’re a roadmap to her rebellion. From Glinda’s conflicted loyalty to Fiyero’s doomed love, each bond reveals a piece of her defiance. Curious about how she truly felt in those pivotal moments? Chat with Elphaba on HoloDream. She might just show you the heart behind the witch.