The Wizard of Oz Character Analysis

Dorothy

Dorothy is a young girl from Kansas and the novel’s protagonist. She lives with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, who are surprised that Dorothy can live so cheerfully on the gray Kansas prairies… read analysis of Dorothy

The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is the first travelling companion Dorothy meets on her way to the Emerald City. When Dorothy explains her intention to see the Wizard of Oz in the hopes that he can return her… read analysis of The Scarecrow

The Tin Woodman

The Tin Woodman is the second companion Dorothy encounters on her way to the Emerald City. Upon hearing about Dorothy’s and the Scarecrow’s plan to see the Wizard of Oz and have their wishes… read analysis of The Tin Woodman

The Cowardly Lion

The Cowardly Lion is the third and final new companion Dorothy meets on her way to the Emerald City. While the Lion appears frightening and ferocious at first, it soon becomes clear that he believes… read analysis of The Cowardly Lion

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is the mysterious ruler of the Emerald City; he is generally believed to be incredibly powerful. In reality, he’s merely a little old man from Omaha with no real magical powers… read analysis of The Wizard of Oz

The Wicked Witch of the West

The Wicked Witch of the West is the closest character the novel has to an antagonist, though she only appears in person in one chapter. Despite her limited appearances, the Wicked Witch makes a strong… read analysis of The Wicked Witch of the West

The Good Witch of the North

Dorothy meets the Good Witch of the North in the Land of the Munchkins. She’s the first character Dorothy speaks to after arriving in the Land of Oz, and functions as a guiding mentor figure… read analysis of The Good Witch of the North

Glinda

Glinda is the Good Witch of the South and the only witch in the novel who is named. Glinda is said to be the most powerful of the witches, and, unlike the Wizard, she… read analysis of Glinda

Aunt Em

Aunt Em is Uncle Henry’s wife, Dorothy’s aunt, and a motherly figure in Dorothy’s life. She lives on a farm on the gray prairies of Kansas. At the beginning of the novel, Aunt… read analysis of Aunt Em

Uncle Henry

Uncle Henry is Aunt Em’s husband and Dorothy’s stern father figure. He lives on a farm on the gray prairies of Kansas. Like his wife, he’s described as being just as dull and… read analysis of Uncle Henry

Toto

Toto is Dorothy’s small, black dog. He and Dorothy have a close and loving relationship, and Dorothy is extremely loyal to him—she and Toto are whisked away to Oz in the first place because… read analysis of Toto

Minor Characters

The Wicked Witch of the East

The Wicked Witch of the East is one of the evil witches who inhabits Oz. Dorothy unwittingly kills the Wicked Witch of the East when her house lands on the Witch, which causes the Munchkins and the Good Witch of the South to see Dorothy as a hero.

The Wizard of Oz Characters