What is elphaba?

Elphaba Thropp, often known simply as Elphaba, is the central protagonist of Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and the subsequent musical adaptation, Wicked. She is most famously known as the Wicked%20Witch%20of%20the%20West from The Wizard of Oz.

• Background and Birth: Elphaba is born with green skin, a physical characteristic that makes her an outcast from an early age. Her birth is shrouded in mystery and scandal, with rumors surrounding her parentage and the involvement of a traveling salesman. She is the daughter of Melena and Frexspar Thropp.

• Personality: Elphaba is portrayed as intelligent, passionate, fiercely independent, and deeply concerned with social justice. Her strong moral compass often puts her at odds with the established powers in Oz. She is also prone to anger and can be quite stubborn.

• Magical Abilities: Elphaba possesses natural magical abilities, which she hones through her studies at Shiz University. These abilities contribute to her reputation and the fear surrounding her.

• Relationship with Glinda: One of the core elements of Wicked is Elphaba's complex and evolving friendship with Glinda (also known as Galinda in the novel). Their relationship begins as rivalry but gradually develops into a deep, albeit complicated, bond. Their differing perspectives and choices ultimately lead them down divergent paths.

• Political Activism: Elphaba becomes increasingly involved in political activism, fighting against the oppressive regime of the Wizard%20of%20Oz and advocating for the rights of Animals (sentient creatures who have been stripped of their rights).

• Misunderstood Reputation: The novel and musical explore how Elphaba's actions and beliefs are deliberately misinterpreted and twisted by the Wizard's propaganda machine, leading to her false reputation as the "Wicked Witch of the West." She is largely a victim of circumstance and manipulation.