The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Adapted for Children characters

Appears from the start

A young girl living with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on the Kansas prairie. When a cyclone carries their house to an unknown land, Dorothy's chief wish is to return home. She is practical, compassionate, and willing to help the strangers she meets even while pursuing her own journey.

Appears from the start

Dorothy's small black dog and constant companion. Toto's curiosity and quick movements often draw attention to things that the human travelers have overlooked.

Also known as Aunt Em

Appears from the start

Dorothy's aunt and guardian in Kansas. Her quiet, hardworking life on the gray prairie is part of the home Dorothy longs to regain after the cyclone.

Also known as Uncle Henry

Appears from the start

Dorothy's uncle and guardian, a farmer on the Kansas prairie. He secures the animals when the cyclone approaches, while Dorothy is caught away from the storm cellar.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly good witch who welcomes Dorothy to the land of the Munchkins. She explains that Dorothy's falling house has killed the Wicked Witch of the East, gives her the dead witch's silver shoes, and directs her toward the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz for help.

First appears in chapter 3

A figure made of stuffed clothing and set on a pole to frighten birds from a field. He can speak and think but believes that having no physical brain makes him foolish. Dorothy releases him, and he joins her journey so that he can ask the Wizard for a brain.

First appears in chapter 5

A man made entirely of tin, found rusted and unable to move until Dorothy oils his joints. He explains that he lost his human body piece by piece and believes he also lost the capacity for love. He joins the travelers to ask Oz for a heart.

First appears in chapter 6

A large lion who tries to frighten Dorothy's party but admits that fear governs his behavior. Ashamed of what he sees as cowardice, he joins the road to the Emerald City in hopes that the Wizard will give him courage.

First appears in chapter 9

The ruler of the field mice. Dorothy and her companions save her from a wildcat, and she gratefully offers the aid of her many subjects when the travelers need help crossing the deadly poppy field.

Also known as Oz

First appears in chapter 11

The mysterious ruler of the Emerald City, widely believed to be a great wizard. He receives Dorothy and each of her companions separately, appearing in a different intimidating form to each visitor. He promises to consider their wishes only if they destroy the Wicked Witch of the West.

First appears in chapter 12

The tyrannical witch who rules the Winkie Country and fears the power of Dorothy's silver shoes. When she learns that Dorothy and her friends have been sent against her, she commands a succession of creatures and servants to stop them.

First appears in chapter 23

The benevolent witch who rules the Quadlings in the South. Dorothy seeks her after other routes home have failed, hoping that Glinda's wisdom and magic can finally return her to Kansas.