Who is the Wizard of Oz?

The Wizard is Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs — a balloonist from Omaha who landed in Oz by accident and stayed, using stage tricks to appear as giant head, beautiful lady, and monster. He is “great and terrible” by reputation, actually a humbug who sends Dorothy to kill West Witch before granting favors.

Baum’s Wizard is comic, not Satanic — he builds Emerald City spectacle to rule peacefully yet dishonestly. Exposed, he gives Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Lion symbolic gifts and tries balloon escape with Dorothy. Teach Wizard with illusion-of-power concept and discovery chapter — authority from smoke, courage from friendship elsewhere.