The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

L. Frank Baum

59 pages 1-hour read

L. Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1900

A 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.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

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.

Key Relationships

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

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Sought by Dorothy

Sought by The Scarecrow

Sought by The Tin Woodman

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.

Key Relationships

Enemy of Dorothy

Enemy of The Wizard Of Oz

Supporting Characters

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.

Key Relationships

Loyal Dog of Dorothy

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Potential Benefactor of Dorothy