Animal Rights Conflict: From Hope to Tragedy
WickedTraces the struggle for Animal rights in Oz, from Doctor Dillamond's research to the brutal suppression of Animals under the Wizard's regime.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The Banns on Animal Mobility

The Banns on Animal Mobility
The Wizard's Decree
The Wizard issues Banns restricting Animals from traveling, working, and accessing public services. This is a major escalation of oppression.
Doctor Dillamond's Protest
Doctor Dillamond protests, but his voice is ignored. He becomes more determined to prove his theories.
Student Support
Elphaba, Boq, Crope, and Tibbett help Dillamond by smuggling documents from the library. They form a secret research group.
Murder of Doctor Dillamond

Murder of Doctor Dillamond
The Discovery
Doctor Dillamond is found with his throat slit in his laboratory. The official story is an accident, but everyone suspects murder.
Madame Morrible's Involvement
Ama Clutch, who witnessed the scene, later reveals that Grommetik, Madame Morrible's tiktok servant, was involved. Madame Morrible is implicated.
Aftermath
The murder silences Dillamond's research. His notes are hidden by Elphaba, but the momentum for Animal rights is lost.
The Decline of Animals

The Decline of Animals
Forced Repatriation
Animals are forced back to farms and wilds. They lose their jobs, homes, and rights. Many go into hiding.
Elphaba's Continued Efforts
Elphaba continues to advocate for Animals, but her efforts are largely futile. She witnesses the suffering firsthand in the Emerald City.
A Lost Cause
By the end of the story, Animals are virtually extinct in public life. The struggle is a tragic failure.
The Lion Cub Incident

The Lion Cub Incident
Doctor Nikidik's Demonstration
Doctor Nikidik brings a terrified lion cub to class to demonstrate the difference between Animals and animals. Elphaba protests.
Rescue of the Cub
Two girls rescue the cub and run away with it. The incident highlights the cruelty of the regime.
Elphaba's Outrage
Elphaba is shaken by the cub's fear. She sees it as a symbol of all oppressed Animals.
The Cow's Plea

The Cow's Plea
A Bartered Animal
Elphaba encounters a Cow who has been traded to Nessarose in exchange for a spell. The Cow is bitter and hopeless.
Elphaba's Intervention
Elphaba frees the Cow and the Sheep, but they are skeptical of their chances. The Cow predicts they will be slaughtered.
A Symbol of Failure
The incident shows how far the Animal rights movement has fallen. Even Elphaba's sister participates in the oppression.
during Elphaba's time at Shiz
at the start of the new semester
in the years following Dillamond's death
during a life sciences lecture at Shiz
during Elphaba's visit to Colwen Grounds