As a broadway fan for years and someone who just recently watched the 2024 movie Wicked, I have connected more than I ever have before with the film and story. My favorite movie character of all time might have to be Glinda. I think the reason I love her so much is because her character has so much deeper of a meaning than just a ball gown and crown. Along with her comedic vocals and “popular” persona, Glinda resembles growth and I have learned a lot from her.
Glinda, the “Good Witch” from Wicked, is initially introduced as a bubbly, self-obsessed character. She’s loved by the Ozions and they look up to her, asking her for answers and admiring her. Glinda thrives on the approval of others. Glinda’s social status and popularity seem to define her—she is beloved at Shiz University, though there is way more behind her complex character.
As the narrative of Wicked unfolds, we begin to see the complexity behind Glinda’s persona. Beneath the surface, I discovered insecurity in Glinda. Glinda’s friendship with Elphaba, the wicked witch, plays a pivotal role in her emotional growth. At first, Glinda is motivated by a desire to fit in with the dominant social order, aligning herself with people who can help her gain favor and status. This is why at first, moving in with Elphaba caused a rivalry between the two, as Glinda is uncomfortable with Elphaba’s radical ideas and green skin. As the story progresses, however, Glinda comes to see Elphaba not just as a friend but as a person who challenges her view of the world and herself. This is such a beautiful way of showing how true friendships can change you into a better person. In one of the most defining scenes of the musical, during the song “Defying Gravity,” Elphaba refuses to conform to society’s expectations and embraces her true self as the wicked witch. Glinda is caught in the middle of this, watching her new best friend take flight for her fate. As Glinda is fearful and sad, she realizes that this is Elphaba’s destiny, and she has to accept it, symbolizing her own understanding of self-expression. While Glinda’s biggest concern has been how she is perceived, she begins to see that true power comes from authenticity rather than what other people think.
At the end of Wicked, Glinda is no longer the light-hearted, bubbly figure she once was. She evolved into a more complex, self-aware individual who understands the nuances of good and evil. She learned that personal integrity is way more important than popularity. Her sadness and insecurity she once carried, along with the grieving of Elphaba, grows both her and the realization that life is not just about winning the approval of others, but about finding one’s true self amidst the chaos. She tried so hard to give Ozions hope and to be a role model for them while she was hurting in the process and needing that guidance too.
While there are still so many questions to be answered in the sequel of Wicked, I will always admire Glinda as a character and feel so connected to her for so many reasons, but mainly because she reflects not only me, but I’m sure many other teenagers in ways. Glinda reflects us through her growth and self-discovery; when she was once shallow and obsessed with her status, she learned that the inside is what truly matters. She empowers strong and confident young women. There is so much more to the world than being “popular”.
