59 pages • 1-hour read
L. Frank BaumA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Dorothy is a young girl from the Kansas prairie who finds herself stranded in the colorful Land of Oz. She is fiercely loyal to her pet dog, Toto, and deeply misses her family. Her primary motivation is returning to her aunt and uncle, prompting her to travel the yellow-brick road toward the Emerald City.
Niece of Aunt Em
Niece of Uncle Henry
Owner and Protector of Toto
Advised by Witch Of The North
Friend of The Scarecrow
Friend of The Tin Woodman
Friend of The Cowardly Lion
Petitioner to The Wizard Of Oz
The Scarecrow is a living figure stuffed with straw who joins Dorothy on her journey. He feels inadequate because crows realized he was not a real man, leaving him with a deep desire for intellect. He travels to the Emerald City hoping the great wizard can give him a brain to replace his straw head.
Traveling Companion of Dorothy
Traveling Companion of The Tin Woodman
Traveling Companion of The Cowardly Lion
Petitioner to The Wizard Of Oz
The Tin Woodman was once a man of flesh and blood but was gradually replaced by metal parts after being cursed. He joins the expedition because he feels a profound sense of loss over his inability to feel emotion. He seeks an audience with the wizard to ask for a heart so he might love again.
Traveling Companion of Dorothy
Traveling Companion of The Scarecrow
Traveling Companion of The Cowardly Lion
Cursed by Wicked Witch Of The East
Savior of Queen Of The Field Mice
The Cowardly Lion is a massive beast who relies on loud roars to frighten others and hide his deep-seated fears. He feels immense shame over his lack of bravery, wiping away tears with his tail when confronted. He tags along with the travelers in the hope that he might be granted courage.
Traveling Companion of Dorothy
Traveling Companion of The Scarecrow
Traveling Companion of The Tin Woodman
Frightened by Toto
The Wizard of Oz is the enigmatic ruler of the Emerald City. He maintains strict isolation from his subjects, leading to widespread rumors about his incredible magical abilities. He is the focus of the travelers' hopes, as they believe he possesses the power to grant their deepest wishes.
Sought by Dorothy
Sought by The Scarecrow
Sought by The Tin Woodman
Sought by The Cowardly Lion
Employer of Guardian Of The Gates
Enemy of Wicked Witch Of The West
The Wicked Witch of the West rules over the Winkie country with a heavy hand. She commands dark forces, including wolves and crows, to maintain her power and despises outsiders entering her territory.
Enemy of Dorothy
Enemy of The Wizard Of Oz
Toto is Dorothy's small, energetic dog and her sole source of comfort on the desolate Kansas farm. He travels with her inside the cyclone-tossed house and remains fiercely protective of her in the Land of Oz.
Loyal Dog of Dorothy
Barked at The Cowardly Lion
Aunt Em is a hardworking farmer's wife whose youthful joy has been worn away by the harsh sun and demanding environment of the Kansas prairie. She provides Dorothy with a loving, if stern, home environment.
Aunt of Dorothy
Wife of Uncle Henry
Uncle Henry is a stern and solemn farmer who works relentlessly from morning until night. The challenging conditions of the drought-stricken prairie occupy all his time and energy, leaving him little opportunity for joy.
Uncle of Dorothy
Husband of Aunt Em
The Witch of the North is a good witch dressed in white who welcomes Dorothy to the Land of Oz. She provides crucial guidance, explaining the geopolitical division of good and evil witches in Oz and setting Dorothy on her path to the Emerald City.
Guide to Dorothy
Relieved by the Death of Wicked Witch Of The East
The Wicked Witch of the East was a cruel tyrant who enslaved the Munchkin people for many years. Her sudden demise at the beginning of the story sets Dorothy's journey into motion and leaves behind a pair of magical silver shoes.
Curser of The Tin Woodman
Former Enslaver of Boq
The Guardian of the Gates is a small man dressed in green who controls entry into the Emerald City. He equips all visitors with special locked spectacles to protect their eyes from the city's brilliant glare.
Subordinate to The Wizard Of Oz
Gatekeeper for Dorothy
Boq is a wealthy Munchkin who offers Dorothy hospitality during her first night in Oz. He believes Dorothy must be a powerful sorceress due to her silver shoes and the destruction of the evil witch.
Host to Dorothy
Former Captive of Wicked Witch Of The East
The Queen of the field mice rules over thousands of tiny subjects in the fields of Oz. After her life is saved, she offers her kingdom's services to help the travelers survive natural dangers.
Saved by The Tin Woodman
Ally to Dorothy
Glinda is the good Witch of the South who rules her territory with kindness. She is known as a powerful figure who maintains order and offers help to those who journey to her domain.
Potential Benefactor of Dorothy