Wicked
A vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked spotlights the untold stories of Oz's most famous (or infamous) characters, namely the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good Witch. The show follows green-skinned star Elphaba from birth to college and through the life-changing events which eventually label her "wicked," introducing spoiled rich girl Glinda, local prince and heartthrob Fiyero and even the Wizard of Oz himself, a troubled man very unlike the one you may remember. As Elphaba, a passionate political activist if there ever was one, fights injustice and seeks to undo the mistakes of the past, dark secrets and personal tragedies shape the history of Oz, paying homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing fans' understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story.
Despite a massive budget of $150.0M, Wicked became a commercial success, earning $758.7M worldwide—a 406% return. This commercial performance validated the ambitious narrative scope, illustrating how audiences embrace innovative storytelling even at blockbuster scale.
2 Oscars. 125 wins & 324 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Oz celebrates the death of the Wicked Witch as Glinda addresses the jubilant crowd, establishing the framing device and the world's perception of Elphaba as evil.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 19 minutes when Elphaba is sent to Shiz University to care for Nessarose, but her magical outburst during orientation catches Madame Morrible's attention, who offers to train her privately in sorcery with potential to meet the Wizard.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 41 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to After Galinda mockingly gives her a black hat, Elphaba defiantly wears it to the Ozdust Ballroom dance. Galinda's guilty conscience leads her to dance with Elphaba, and their unexpected friendship begins, transforming both their lives., moving from reaction to action.
At 81 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Elphaba receives the invitation to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City - her lifelong dream finally within reach. She invites Galinda to join her, and they set off together, believing this is the beginning of everything they've hoped for., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 122 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Wizard offers Elphaba power and acceptance if she joins his regime. When she refuses, he brands her a wicked witch. Elphaba must choose between the acceptance she's craved her whole life and her moral integrity - she chooses integrity and becomes a fugitive., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 130 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Elphaba discovers the Grimmerie, an ancient book of spells, and realizes she has the power to fight back. She commits fully to resistance, ascending as the guards close in, choosing to defy gravity - both literally and metaphorically., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Wicked's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Wicked against these established plot points, we can identify how Jon M. Chu utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Wicked within the fantasy genre.
Jon M. Chu's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Jon M. Chu films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Wicked exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jon M. Chu filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Thinner, Ella Enchanted and Conan the Barbarian. For more Jon M. Chu analyses, see G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Oz celebrates the death of the Wicked Witch as Glinda addresses the jubilant crowd, establishing the framing device and the world's perception of Elphaba as evil.
Theme
Glinda declares that wickedness must be punished, raising the central question: Are people born wicked, or do circumstances make them so? This frames the entire story's exploration of perception versus reality.
Worldbuilding
The flashback reveals Elphaba's traumatic birth with green skin, her father's rejection, her mother's death, and her isolation. Young Elphaba accidentally reveals her magical powers while protecting her disabled sister Nessarose.
Disruption
Elphaba is sent to Shiz University to care for Nessarose, but her magical outburst during orientation catches Madame Morrible's attention, who offers to train her privately in sorcery with potential to meet the Wizard.
Resistance
Elphaba clashes with her popular roommate Galinda, faces ridicule for her appearance, and struggles to find her place. Dr. Dillamond, a talking Goat professor, becomes her mentor and warns her about Animals losing their voices throughout Oz.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
After Galinda mockingly gives her a black hat, Elphaba defiantly wears it to the Ozdust Ballroom dance. Galinda's guilty conscience leads her to dance with Elphaba, and their unexpected friendship begins, transforming both their lives.
Mirror World
Galinda and Elphaba become genuine friends, with Galinda giving Elphaba a makeover and teaching her social graces while Elphaba helps Galinda develop substance. Their bond represents the film's thematic heart: connection transcending superficial differences.
Premise
Elphaba flourishes with friendship and magical training. Prince Fiyero arrives as a carefree love interest. The friends navigate university life, romance, and Elphaba's growing awareness of injustice against Animals, while dreaming of meeting the Wizard.
Midpoint
Elphaba receives the invitation to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City - her lifelong dream finally within reach. She invites Galinda to join her, and they set off together, believing this is the beginning of everything they've hoped for.
Opposition
In the Emerald City, Elphaba discovers the Wizard is a fraud with no real magic. Worse, she learns he is responsible for silencing the Animals, using propaganda and fear. Madame Morrible has been manipulating her. The dream becomes a nightmare.
Collapse
The Wizard offers Elphaba power and acceptance if she joins his regime. When she refuses, he brands her a wicked witch. Elphaba must choose between the acceptance she's craved her whole life and her moral integrity - she chooses integrity and becomes a fugitive.
Crisis
Elphaba faces the devastating choice: join corruption for acceptance or stand alone against injustice. Galinda is torn between her friendship and her desire for the life she's always wanted. Their bond strains under impossible pressure.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Elphaba discovers the Grimmerie, an ancient book of spells, and realizes she has the power to fight back. She commits fully to resistance, ascending as the guards close in, choosing to defy gravity - both literally and metaphorically.
Synthesis
Elphaba performs "Defying Gravity," soaring above Oz as she embraces her power and her identity as an outcast. Below, Galinda chooses to stay, accepting Madame Morrible's offer. The friends are separated, their paths now divergent.
Transformation
Elphaba flies free above Oz, fully transformed from outcast victim to defiant revolutionary. She has accepted her green skin, her power, and her role as enemy of the state. Glinda remains earthbound, now "Glinda the Good," their friendship altered forever but not destroyed.