Wicked (2024) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Elphaba becomes labeled the Wicked Witch after she discovers the Wizard of Oz is actually a fraud who is suppressing and silencing the Animals in Oz. When she refuses to help maintain this oppression and confronts him publicly, Madame Morrible brands her as wicked. Elphaba then defies the Wizard by flying away from the Emerald City, refusing to apologize or submit to his regime, which solidifies her status as an outlaw and the future Wicked Witch of the West.

Foreshadowing: Dr. Dillamond earlier revealed the conspiracy to silence Animals at Shiz, planting the seed of Elphaba's rebellion.

• elphaba
• wicked witch
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• wizard of oz

Elphaba's green skin is the result of her mother having an affair with a traveling salesman while married to Elphaba's father, the Governor of Munchkinland. Her father rejected her from birth because of her unusual green complexion, abandoning her and her mother. This childhood rejection shapes much of Elphaba's struggle with being different and unaccepted.

• elphaba
• green skin
• born
• birth
• backstory

Galinda changes her name to Glinda at the train station as a tribute to Dr. Dillamond, who was forced to leave Shiz University because of the anti-Animal discrimination. She adopts the name to honor his name and show solidarity with him, though Fiyero shows no interest in her gesture, leaving her feeling rejected.

• glinda
• name change
• galinda
• dr dillamond
• train station

The Wizard is secretly suppressing and silencing the Animals in Oz. He is revealed to be nothing more than an ordinary man who uses illusion and propaganda to maintain power. He has been implementing policies that strip Animals of their ability to speak and work, treating them as second-class citizens while posing as the all-powerful ruler of Oz.

Foreshadowing: Dr. Dillamond's departure from Shiz and his warnings about the treatment of Animals foreshadow this larger conspiracy.

• wizard
• animals
• conspiracy
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• oz
• fraud

After Dr. Dillamond is forced to leave Shiz University due to the anti-Animal policies, Elphaba confronts the administration in a defiant protest. During the chaos, Fiyero helps her steal a caged lion cub as an act of rebellion against the oppression of Animals. This escape marks their first major stand against the Wizard's regime.

• fiyero
• lion cub
• escape
• animals
• stolen
• rebellion

Elphaba refuses to apologize to the Wizard because she has discovered his true nature, he is a fraudulent leader who systematically oppresses the Animals of Oz. Apologizing would mean participating in his oppressive system and betraying everything she has learned. She chooses instead to stand against the injustice, declaring her defiance even at the cost of becoming a wanted outlaw.

• elphaba
• wizard
• apology
• defiance
• refuse
• justice

The Grimmerie is a rare and ancient book of magical spells that only those with true magical abilities can read and decipher. Madame Morrible gives it to Elphaba as part of her sorcery training, recognizing Elphaba's powerful magical potential. The book plays a key role in Elphaba's magical development and her later acts of defiance.

• grimmerie
• magic
• book
• spells
• madame morrible
• sorcery

Elphaba and Glinda's friendship develops gradually after a rocky start. The turning point comes at Fiyero's party when Madame Morrible reveals Elphaba requested Glinda be included in her sorcery class, showing Elphaba's hidden kindness. Glinda responds by offering Elphaba a makeover and inviting her to dance, leading to their bond in 'Dancing Through Life.' Their friendship deepens through shared experiences and mutual growth.

• elphaba
• glinda
• friendship
• party
• dancing through life
• makeover

Nessarose is Elphaba's younger sister who uses a wheelchair due to her paraplegia. At Shiz University, Madame Morrible initially attempts to take Nessarose away, which triggers Elphaba to use magic for the first time to protect her. Nessarose remains at the university while Elphaba's story develops, though her fate becomes more complicated as Elphaba's legend as the Wicked Witch grows.

• nessarose
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Madame Morrible turns against Elphaba after Elphaba discovers the Wizard's conspiracy to suppress Animals and refuses to cooperate with him. When Elphaba publicly defies the Wizard and escapes, Madame Morrible aligns herself with the regime and helps brand Elphaba as the Wicked Witch. This betrayal marks a pivotal moment in Elphaba's transformation into an outlaw.

• madame morrible
• betrayal
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• wizard

During 'Defying Gravity,' Elphaba performs a powerful levitation spell that allows her to fly away from the Emerald City after refusing to apologize to the Wizard. This public act of defiance transforms her into a symbol of resistance against the Wizard's oppression. Glinda is left behind, watching as Elphaba claims her fate as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Foreshadowing: Elphaba's earlier magical abilities and her refusal to comply with the Wizard build toward this climactic moment.

• defying gravity
• flight
• flying
• elphaba
• emerald city
• spell

Fiyero is drawn to Elphaba's authenticity and courage in standing up against injustice. Though initially attracted to Glinda's popularity, he recognizes Elphaba's genuine character and moral conviction. He helps her escape Shiz with the lion cub and later assists in her rebellion against the Wizard, drawn to her strength and ideals despite the personal danger.

• fiyero
• elphaba
• help
• escape
• love
• rebellion

Dr. Dillamond, the only Animal professor at Shiz University, is forced to leave because of increasing discrimination against Animals in Oz. He announces his departure during class, explaining that the oppressive rules have made it impossible for him to continue teaching. His departure devastates Elphaba and motivates her to take action against the systemic injustice.

• dr dillamond
• animal
• shiz university
• discrimination
• departure

In 'I'm Not That Girl,' Elphaba expresses her unrequited love for Fiyero, knowing he is more attracted to Glinda. She sings about her fear that Fiyero will never love her the way he loves Glinda, revealing her vulnerability and insecurity despite her strong exterior. This moment showcases the emotional depth behind her otherwise defiant persona.

• i'm not that girl
• song
• elphaba
• fiyero
• love
• unrequited