Dorothy is a plucky and determined young girl who lives with her aunt and uncle in Kansas until a cyclone carries her and her dog, Toto, to the strange and wonderful Land of Oz. Dorothy is determined to return to Kansas. Her mission drives the plot; the Witch of the North sends her to the Emerald City to confer with the Wizard of Oz about her problem. Along the way, she is joined by three new friends—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion—who have their own requests for the Wizard.

Dorothy is the protagonist of the story. She is motivated by her love for her family, including Toto, Aunt Em, and Uncle Henry. She is a static character, remaining consistent in her manner and her motivations throughout the story. Dorothy is a kind and loving friend to her companions. She is a morally upstanding character who has a strong sense of what is right and fair. She is furious when the Lion tries to bite Toto: “Don’t you dare to bite Toto! You ought to be ashamed of yourself, a big beast like you, to bite a poor little dog!” (43).