What is why is elphaba green?

Elphaba, the character from the musical "Wicked," is green for a few reasons that relate to both the story and the character's development. Here are some points explaining her green skin:

1. Plot Element: In Gregory Maguire’s novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," which inspired the musical, Elphaba is born with green skin. This unusual skin color is a key element of her identity and plays a significant role in how she is perceived by others. It sets her apart from those around her, contributing to themes of prejudice and otherness.

2. Symbolism: Elphaba's green skin can also be seen as a symbol of her uniqueness and her outsider status. Throughout "Wicked," she is marginalized and judged because of her appearance, which parallels real-world themes of discrimination and societal bias. Her greenness represents her distinctiveness and individualism in a world that often values conformity.

3. Connection to The Wizard of Oz: Elphaba is the Wicked Witch of the West, a character originally depicted in L. Frank Baum's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and famously portrayed by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 film adaptation, where the Wicked Witch is green. The musical nods to this portrayal, linking Elphaba’s character to the iconic image from the film.

4. Character Development: Elphaba’s green skin serves as an external marker of the internal struggles she faces throughout the story. Initially, it is a source of shame and social ostracism, but as the story progresses, Elphaba learns to embrace her difference, turning her perceived liability into a source of strength.

In summary, Elphaba's green color is integral to her character, reflecting themes of identity, acceptance, and transformation, while also connecting to the broader Oz universe.