7 Best Characters in Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Ranked

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As a huge fan of the musical, I was so excited to see Wicked and Wicked: For Good come to life on the big screen, and they absolutely delivered! The movies tell a fresh take on the story of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the incredible relationship between Elphaba – who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, played brilliantly by Cynthia Erivo – and the wonderful Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. We see them meet as students at Shiz University and then journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). The second part, Wicked: For Good, gets really emotional as it shows Elphaba being unfairly cast as the villain and going into exile, while also exploring Glinda’s life in the public eye. The ending is truly moving and brings everything full circle, making both films a fantastic adaptation that you absolutely have to see!

These seven characters, from least to most impactful, are what make the stories of Wicked and Wicked: For Good so captivating.

7) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wizard in Wicked and Wicked: For Good isn’t the benevolent figure he appears to be. He’s actually a manipulative fraud who uses trickery to control the people of Oz and turn them against each other. Though presented with a playful personality, the Wizard is a sly and cunning villain, and his humor often hints at his dishonest plans. He famously argues that creating a common enemy is the best way to unite people, revealing his role in oppressing animals. This mix of charm and wickedness makes him a surprisingly complex character. His eventual exposure and downfall in Wicked: For Good appropriately ends his deceitful career. While not the most prominent character, the Wizard remains a compelling and entertaining antagonist.

6) Madame Morrible

Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, is a manipulative character who consistently promotes the Wizard’s falsehoods. As both Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University and the Wizard’s spokesperson, she significantly impacts the plot of both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Morrible is skilled at deception, initially appearing kind to Elphaba before attempting to exploit her for her own goals, which involve opposing animal rights. She’s the main force behind turning public opinion against Elphaba, using a combination of magic and propaganda to portray her as a villain.

Throughout the two films, Morrible consistently challenges Elphaba. Unlike the Wizard, who hides his bad intentions, Morrible openly displays her cruelty towards those she dislikes, making her a truly unlikeable character. This makes her eventual downfall in Wicked: For Good particularly satisfying. While not as nuanced as some of the other characters, Morrible effectively serves as the story’s dramatic, over-the-top villain.

5) Nessarose

Nessarose, Elphaba’s younger sister (played by Marissa Bode), doesn’t appear much on screen, but she’s a surprisingly compelling character in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Unlike Elphaba, Nessarose easily finds love and takes over as the mayor of Munchkinland from her father. However, she ultimately faces a tragic fate. Her life falls apart when Boq (Ethan Slater) leaves her, and she is eventually killed when a house falls on her.

Watching Nessarose’s downfall is painful, but it’s hard not to see it as a consequence of her actions – specifically, unfairly limiting the freedom of the Munchkins and accidentally hurting Boq with a spell. She’s a complex character, and provides a compelling contrast to her sister. The story of how she became the so-called Wicked Witch of the East is one of the most engaging storylines in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

4) Dr. Dillamond

Many fans are surprised to see Dr. Dillamond, voiced by Peter Dinklage, ranked so highly, considering his limited screen time in Wicked: For Good. Despite being a smaller character, the Shiz University professor is crucial to the story. Wicked explores themes of prejudice largely through Dr. Dillamond, and it’s shocking when he’s arrested while teaching his class about animal culture in Oz. He develops a close relationship with Elphaba and inspires her to help animals who have been forced from their homes. Dr. Dillamond is a genuinely kind character, and the tragedy of his fate adds depth to the generally upbeat musical. While it’s disappointing he isn’t featured more in Wicked: For Good, his impact on the original film is unforgettable.

3) Fiyero

I have to say, Prince Fiyero completely stole the show for me in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. He just outshines everyone else! His introduction with “Dancing Through Life” is honestly one of the most joyful moments in the whole film. I was instantly captivated by his cool and easygoing personality – he’s such a breath of fresh air. Watching him navigate his feelings for both Glinda and Elphaba was fascinating, and he’s key to that amazing twist in Wicked: For Good. When he transforms into the Scarecrow, it takes his story in a direction I didn’t expect, but it felt so right, especially knowing it happened because he was brave enough to do what he believed in.

2) Glinda

Glinda, who originally went by Galinda, isn’t always a good person, but she’s still easy to like. She’s often weak-willed and focused on what benefits her, and struggles to genuinely support Elphaba publicly. More interested in appearing virtuous than actually being good, Glinda is a complex character who learns that getting everything she wants doesn’t bring her happiness as she gets closer to Elphaba. Her cheerful personality is delightful, and it’s compelling to see her more sensitive side in Wicked: For Good. Through her friendship with Elphaba, Glinda begins to understand the difficult truths of their world, ultimately leading her to overthrow the wicked Wizard and Madame Morrible in a satisfying ending to her journey.

As a huge fan of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, I’ve always been captivated by Glinda’s story. Her songs – like “Popular,” “Thank Goodness,” and “The Girl in the Bubble” – aren’t just catchy tunes, they show us who she is and how she changes. Seeing her evolve from a somewhat shallow, popularity-obsessed person into someone genuinely seeking growth and forgiveness is incredibly satisfying. Honestly, her journey makes you feel everything – annoyed one minute, laughing the next, and then genuinely rooting for her. She’s definitely one of the most compelling characters in the whole musical, right up there with Elphaba!

1) Elphaba

From the moment she arrives at Shiz until she stages her death and escapes Oz with Fiyero, Elphaba is the central character and emotional core of both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Her journey is filled with sadness, but she develops into a complex character defined by her strength, resolve, and kindness. Though she’s unfairly judged and ostracized for her green skin and wrongly accused of being Oz’s enemy, Elphaba experiences hardship that could easily make her bitter. However, she uniquely chooses to use her magical abilities to help others, determined to protect animals and reveal the Wizard’s deceit. Her powerful song, “Defying Gravity,” perfectly captures her newfound independence and her decision to live life on her own terms, despite those who try to control her.

Though often seen as a villain, Elphaba is a complex character who battles with her inability to defeat the Wizard and safeguard her loved ones. She embraces her perceived wickedness in the powerful song “No Good Deed” and ultimately accepts that she can’t accomplish everything she hoped for. Elphaba is strong and unwavering in her convictions, yet also demonstrates genuine kindness towards Glinda, Fiyero, and the animals she cares for. Her compelling presence and well-developed story, filled with emotionally impactful moments, make Elphaba the most memorable character in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good, and inspire audiences throughout her journey in Oz.

Wicked: For Good is now playing in theaters.

We want to know – how would you rank the characters from Wicked and Wicked: For Good? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-23 18:41