Nessarose

Nessarose Thropp, often referred to simply as Nessarose, is a complex and tragic character in both Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and its Broadway adaptation, Wicked. As the younger sister of Elphaba, Nessarose’s life is heavily shaped by familial expectations, physical limitations, and political power. Her transformation from a seemingly meek and dependent individual into the feared and authoritarian Wicked Witch of the East serves as a compelling counterpoint to Elphaba’s own journey. This essay explores Nessarose’s character, relationships, and the broader themes of power, perception, and fate in Wicked.

Background and Personality

Nessarose is born into the powerful Thropp family, a high-ranking political dynasty in Munchkinland. She is born with a severe physical disability—her legs are incapable of supporting her weight, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair. Her father, Frexspar, the governor of Munchkinland, sees her as a symbol of divine intervention and treats her as the favored child, in stark contrast to his dismissive and often cruel treatment of Elphaba.

Growing up, Nessarose is deeply religious, influenced by her father’s strict beliefs. She is depicted as pious, reserved, and seemingly delicate, but underneath this exterior lies a strong-willed and determined individual. While she initially appears to be the "good" sister in contrast to Elphaba, her increasing desperation for control over her own life and circumstances leads her down a path of moral ambiguity.

Relationship with Elphaba

Nessarose’s relationship with Elphaba is deeply complex and layered with tension. While Elphaba loves her sister, she also resents the favoritism that Nessarose receives from their father. Despite this, Elphaba is deeply protective of Nessarose, as shown in Wicked when she enchants a pair of silver shoes to allow Nessarose to walk. This act of love, however, unintentionally contributes to Nessarose’s descent into tyranny.

Nessarose’s perception of Elphaba changes over time. She initially sees her sister as rebellious and reckless, someone who abandons her for a greater cause. However, as she assumes power in Munchkinland, Nessarose begins to emulate some of Elphaba’s fierceness, albeit in a more authoritarian manner. Unlike Elphaba, who fights against oppression, Nessarose ends up becoming an oppressor herself.

Nessarose’s Rule Over Munchkinland

After the death of their father, Nessarose inherits the governorship of Munchkinland. This transition from dependent younger sister to ruler marks a turning point in her character arc. Though she starts with good intentions, her rule quickly becomes harsh and authoritarian.

Nessarose’s most infamous act as governor is the revocation of the Munchkins’ rights, a decision rooted in her personal fears and insecurities. Having long felt powerless due to her disability, she exerts control in the one way she knows how—by taking away the freedoms of others. Her strict governance earns her the title of the Wicked Witch of the East, illustrating how power can corrupt even those who believe they are acting justly.

Relationship with Boq

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Nessarose’s story is her unrequited love for Boq, a Munchkin who serves as her companion and, in the musical, her servant. Nessarose is deeply infatuated with Boq, misinterpreting his politeness for romantic interest. When she realizes that he is in love with Glinda, her heartbreak fuels her descent into darkness.

In a desperate attempt to make Boq stay with her, Nessarose uses magic to enchant him, an act that backfires disastrously. In the musical, she unintentionally causes his heart to shrink, leading Elphaba to transform him into the Tin Man to save his life. This moment solidifies Nessarose’s tragic fate—her misguided attempts at love and control only lead to destruction and suffering.

The Silver Shoes and Symbolism

Nessarose’s enchanted silver shoes (which later become Dorothy’s ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz") symbolize both empowerment and control. Elphaba gives them to Nessarose out of love, but instead of using them to find independence, Nessarose uses them as a means to tighten her grip over Munchkinland. This transformation of a gift meant for liberation into a tool of oppression highlights the complexity of her character.

The shoes also serve as a key plot point in "The Wizard of Oz," as Dorothy’s arrival in Munchkinland and the subsequent theft of the shoes mark the final chapter in Nessarose’s story.

Nessarose’s Death and Legacy

Nessarose’s story ends tragically when Dorothy’s house lands on her during a storm, killing her instantly. Her death is ironic in many ways—despite her pursuit of power and control, she ultimately falls victim to fate, an uncontrollable force.

Her legacy, however, continues to shape the events of Wicked. Her death cements Elphaba’s reputation as the Wicked Witch of the West, as she is falsely accused of causing it. Nessarose’s fall also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fine line between victim and oppressor.

Nessarose’s Significance in Wicked

Nessarose’s character embodies the themes of power, perception, and fate that run throughout Wicked. She begins as a figure of sympathy, a disabled girl longing for love and acceptance, but her journey into authoritarianism challenges the notion of what it truly means to be wicked.

Her story also serves as a parallel to Elphaba’s, showcasing how two sisters raised in the same household can take vastly different paths. While Elphaba fights against injustice, Nessarose becomes consumed by her own need for control, proving that the pursuit of righteousness can sometimes lead to the very corruption one seeks to avoid.

Nessarose Thropp is a deeply tragic and multifaceted character whose transformation from a fragile girl to the feared Wicked Witch of the East is one of the most compelling arcs in Wicked. Her relationships with Elphaba, Boq, and the citizens of Munchkinland highlight the complexities of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition. While she is often overshadowed by Elphaba’s larger-than-life story, Nessarose’s tale is a powerful exploration of how fear, love, and desperation can drive a person to make choices that ultimately define their legacy. Her life and death serve as crucial turning points in the narrative, making her one of the most memorable figures in the world of Wicked.