Keyword Guide · character-analysis
This guide breaks down the main Wizard of Oz characters for quick understanding and exam-ready analysis. Use it to review traits, themes, and symbolism for discussions, quizzes, and essays.
Dorothy is the story’s moral center. She is practical, loyal, and determined, often acting before she fully understands the consequences. Her journey emphasizes responsibility and self-reliance, showing how growth comes from facing challenges rather than escaping them. In essays, focus on how Dorothy’s choices drive the plot and unify the group.
The Scarecrow believes he lacks intelligence, yet he repeatedly solves problems through logic and creativity. This contrast highlights a key theme: self-doubt can hide real ability. For analysis, track moments where his actions contradict his self-image and connect them to the idea that knowledge is demonstrated through use, not labels.
The Tin Man fears he has no heart, but he consistently shows empathy and concern for others. His character explores emotional awareness and compassion. When studying this character, note how his behavior challenges the assumption that emotions must be formally granted or recognized to be real.
The Cowardly Lion sees himself as weak, yet he acts bravely when others are in danger. His arc centers on courage as action rather than fearlessness. In class discussions, compare his internal fears with his external behavior to show how courage develops through practice.
Most courses focus on Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, along with the Wizard as a symbol of authority and illusion.
Common themes include self-discovery, the gap between belief and reality, and the idea that personal qualities are proven through actions.
Choose one trait each character believes they lack, then analyze scenes where their actions prove otherwise. This structure works well for thesis-driven essays.
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