Elphaba’s life would be completely different if she had been raised by her true father, potentially reversing many of Wicked‘s most iconic relationships and storylines. As one of Wicked‘s main characters, Elphaba might never have gained her infamous reputation as the Wicked Witch of the West if she had grown up under her father’s influence. With her father’s love, power, and high standing in Oz, Elphaba would have followed a vastly different path — one where she might have even opposed the animals rather than fight for them.

While Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is a highlight of Wicked‘s positive reviews, Elphaba’s character arc is most compelling, as viewers sympathize with her silent pain as she is unjustly alienated and vilified for being green. However, if her powerful father had recognized her, she’d likely would not have been looked down upon and paired with the animals, which would in turn change Elphaba’s Wicked ending completely. Elphaba would be a different person entirely, perhaps one who doesn’t long to do what’s right.

Elphaba Would’ve More Easily Gone Along With The Wizard’s Plan If He Raised Her

Elphaba’s Outcast Status Is What Makes Her Sympathize With Animals

Part of what makes Elphaba so determined to do what’s right is her heightened sense of empathy, caused by her outcast status growing up. Because the governor didn’t love her, Elphaba developed a hatred for her green skin, which her fake father hid from people and blamed for causing Nessarose’s disability. If she had been raised by the Wizard, Elphaba’s green skin likely wouldn’t have had such great importance, especially if her father celebrated her magical abilities.

It’s also hinted that the Wizard would have been a loving father, albeit not a good role model, raising her to maintain power through lies and oppression. He also would likely have rewarded Elphaba if she used Wicked‘s magical book like he asked, which would inevitably lead to her aiding him in his plans to silence and enslave animals. Though her good nature might still be inherent to her, it’d clearly be harder for Elphaba to stand up to the Wizard and relate to animals if she grew up privileged and celebrated.

Elphaba May Not Have A Strong Connection To Animals

The Wizard Might Have Taught Elphaba To Look Down On Animals

Though she felt cursed and despised, Elpahaba grew up to be kindhearted, having been raised by Dulcibear. The nanny bear is an important character addition in Wicked because it enables Elphaba’s connection to animals, as they not only were the only ones who were nice to her, but they were also looked down upon by others like she was. If the Wizard had raised her instead, Elphaba would likely not have developed an appreciation for animals nor a sensitivity to those who are different and belittled because of it.

Notably, Jeff Goldblum’s Wicked character doesn’t care about animals. The Wizard is responsible for the animals disappearing and losing their voices, as he plans their enslavement just to get more power and control over Oz. Though she’d still be green, being the Wizard’s recognized daughter would have likely lessened Elphaba’s feeling of alienation, which otherwise informs her rebellious and justice-seeking spirit. In this way, she’d likely go along with the Wizard’s anti-animal agenda and use the Grimmerie to advance his plans.

Madame Morrible Could Have Trained Elphaba From Childhood

Elphaba Might Have More Control Over Her Powers

On top of being encouraged by the Wizard to do magic for him, Elphaba would have likely been made to train with Madame Morrible since very little. It’s clear that Michelle Yeoh’s Wicked character has been working with the Wizard for a long time, so it makes sense that she’d mentor the Wizard’s gifted daughter. Notably, upon recognizing her magical abilities at Shiz, she immediately recruits the lady, grooming her to lend her powers to the Wizard’s cause.

While Elphaba’s age and marginalized experiences allow her to see through Madame Morrible’s manipulations, if she had been a child raised inside the walls of the Wizard’s privileged castle, she’d likely be more gullible. Since much of Elphaba’s magical powers in Wicked come from her desire to remedy injustice, perhaps her abilities would not be as strong or would come from somewhere else, somewhere bad. Though she could be more powerful, as she’d have trained for years, Elphaba may have normalized using her powers for dishonest purposes as per Morrible’s lessons.

Elphaba & Glinda’s Friendship Never Would’ve Happened The Same Way

Glinda Could Want To Be Friends With Elphaba Based Only On Her Status

Having been under the mentorship of Madame Morrible, and being of essential use to the Wizard’s activities, Elphaba would likely not have gone to Wicked‘s Shiz university. In that case, she’d probably only meet Glinda if the Uplands ever visited Emerald City, though it’s hinted she had never been there before Elphaba invited her. Additionally, it’s less likely that Glinda would ever be requested by the Wizard, as she didn’t seem set to achieve much academic or professional success by herself at Shiz.

If Elphaba did go to Shiz, her meeting with Glinda would be completely different, and they might not become friends after all. Notably, they end up as roommates only because Morrible wants Elphaba to stay after seeing her lift Nessarose in the air. If Elphaba was recognized as the Wizard’s daughter, Glinda would likely be the one wanting to get close to her, while Nessarose might not even exist. Ariana Grande’s Wicked character would likely not sympathize with Elphaba, which is what enables their beautiful bond.

Elphaba & Fiyero’s Romance Could Have Still Happened – But In A Different Way

Fiyero Might Not Like Elphaba If She Were Going Against Animals

Alternatively, Elphaba might attend a royal academy and meet Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero in that way. If their romance happened, it would probably look more like Fiyero and Glinda’s, as it’d be more about social status than real connection. Notably, their bond develops precisely because of their shared desire to help animals. Without that, Elphaba and Fiyero might be brought together because they are both royals, him the prince of Winkie Country and her the daughter of The Wizard of Oz.

Between Glinda and Elphaba, Fiyero might choose Elphaba, but only because she’d have a higher status. However, their romance might not happen if Elphaba’s beliefs were too anti-animals, as Fiyero would still be against the oppressive movement, even if he never explicitly shows it. If that’s the case, and if he has a choice, he might stay with Glinda, as she isn’t actively trying to enslave animals, while Elphaba might.

Elphaba Probably Would Become Oz’s Ruler After The Wizard

Elphaba Helping Carry Out Her Father’s Plans Would Even Change Dorothy’s Story

Though not until she’s much older, Elphaba would likely become Oz’s ruler after her father came to a certain age. Being that she’s the Wizard’s only child, it’s safe to ᴀssume that she’d be his only heir and the one next in line to succeed him. While her beliefs could be slightly different from her father’s, Elphaba would likely seek to carry on his legacy and continue with his intended plan for Oz.

The people of Oz would likely want her to guide them as well, especially since she actually has magical powers, which should have been proven time and time again by then. Elphaba being raised by the Wizard would change Wicked‘s and Dorothy’s story completely, as Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion would not exist, nor would the Wicked Witch of the West. Since Elphaba does have magic, Dorothy would likely never have discovered the Wizard was a con man, and he’d have maintained power.