Death of the Wicked Witch of the West

In the tower, Elphaba confronts Dorothy, demanding the silver shoes. Dorothy, terrified, explains that the shoes won't come off and that she came to ask for forgiveness for accidentally killing Nessarose. Elphaba, enraged and despairing, sets her broom on fire. In the struggle, a spark ignites Elphaba's dry skirt. Dorothy, trying to save her, throws a bucket of water at her. The water causes Elphaba to melt away, dissolving into a puddle. Her death is a tragic accident, a moment of unintended consequence. It is also a release from a life of pain and struggle. The Wicked Witch of the West is dead.