In the enchanting yet politically charged realm of Oz, where the citizens of Munchkinland jubilantly celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West, the story unveils itself through a lens provided by none other than Glinda the Good. Glinda eloquently recounts the misunderstood tale of the Witch, whose origins are rooted in a scandalous affair between Melena Thropp and a transient salesman. This affair resulted in the birth of Elphaba, a child ostracized from the outset due to her unusual green skin. Elphaba's childhood was peppered with rejection and misunderstanding, an experience that challenges the superficial celebration of her death by begging the question: was she truly wicked, or simply misunderstood? ().

Years prior to these events, Elphaba enters the bustling campus of Shiz University, accompanied by her sister Nessarose, whose paraplegia subjects them to further societal scrutiny (). Elphaba’s unique, albeit uninvited, magical prowess draws the attention of Madame Morrible, the Dean of Sorcery Studies. Morrible offers personal tutoring, tempting Elphaba with the tantalizing prospect of meeting the esteemed Wizard of Oz, whom she idolizes. This dream is fueled by her naive hope that the Wizard's benign omnipotence might remedy her green skin (). Yet, Elphaba's optimism is immediately dampened as she clashes with her new roommate, the effervescent and socially adept Galinda Upland, a stark contrast that sets the stage for intense emotional upheaval ().

Nessarose’s plight as an outsider leads her to the genial Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin smitten with Galinda and unaware of the complex web of affections he's entangled in. Conversely, Elphaba crosses paths with the nonconformist prince, Fiyero Tigelaar, who, alongside his eloquent horse, exemplifies a life unshackled by Oz’s societal norms. Meanwhile, Dr. Dillamond, a sentient Goat teacher at Shiz facing institutional biases, shares with Elphaba the alarming erosion of civil liberties for Animals, igniting her belief in the Wizard's intervention (). This poises Elphaba as a would-be champion for justice, naively trusting that wisdom and power are synonymous.

Amidst this backdrop, Fiyero stages a lavish event at the Ozdust Ballroom, intending to revel in life’s transient pleasures. Galinda, opportunistic yet charismatic, orchestrates a plan for Boq to escort Nessarose, clearing her own path to Fiyero (). Within the ballroom’s grandeur, Galinda’s fleeting empathy towards Elphaba—whom she had unintentionally humiliated—blooms into an unexpected alliance as she extends a gesture of camaraderie during a dance (). A subsequent makeover solidifies a nuanced bond between them, highlighting Galinda’s inherent yet underutilized kindness ().

Tragedy soon unfolds when Dr. Dillamond is unceremoniously dismissed, a victim of systemic prejudice that underscores the harsh reality Elphaba must face: the institution she hoped would nurture change is steeped in discrimination. This disillusionment crescendos when Elphaba and Fiyero thwart Professor Nikidik’s cruel experiment on a lion cub, seizing the beast’s freedom and solidifying their shared dissatisfaction with the moral failings around them. Yet, Fiyero’s affections remain with Galinda, rendering Elphaba a silent spectator of her own affections ().

An unexpected invitation to meet the Wizard presents Elphaba with a glimmer of hope, prompting her and Galinda—who adopts the name “Glinda” in homage to Dr. Dillamond's kindness—to embark on an electrifying journey to the Emerald City. Their arrival in this dazzling metropolis reinforces their fragile yet resilient friendship ().

Upon meeting the Wizard, a seemingly benevolent figure hidden beneath his grandiose facade (), Elphaba forgoes her personal wish for changed skin, prioritizing a plea for the Animals' plight. However, the encounter spirals into a horrifying awakening; the Wizard and Morrible's encouragement of Elphaba to chant from the Grimmerie's ancient texts unleashes an unspeakable transformation on the Wizard's flying monkey sentinels, revealing their true oppressive intentions. Heartbroken by the realization that she was a pawn in their malevolent scheme, Elphaba makes a daring escape from the capital.

Chasing after her, Glinda pleads for reconciliation with the Wizard and Morrible, but Elphaba’s resolve to thwart their corruption is unyielding. Parting with Glinda amidst profound sorrow, Elphaba embraces her destiny, while Glinda is ensnared by the Wizard’s enforcers. When Elphaba harnesses the Grimmerie's power to levitate—a spectacle that momentarily relinquishes the Wizard’s hold—she ascends into the sky on a broom, eluding capture and igniting a symbolic resistance against tyranny ().

Morrible’s vindictive labeling of Elphaba as a “wicked witch” sends ripples through Shiz, catalyzing a frantic exodus of students. Fiyero’s realization of his true allegiances compels him to abandon the institution in haste, an embodiment of personal defiance. Simultaneously, in Munchkinland, Governor Thropp's collapse from the shocking news signifies the crumbling of institutional facades. Alone, Elphaba must navigate the challenging corridors of justice versus villainy, her flight westward heralding a new era of resilience against the superficial societal narrative.