I found Yackle to be the most confusing part of Wicked. I think this may be more of an opinion thing, but what are your thoughts on her?

She's certainly an intriguing character, always cropping up in the most strangest of places and at unexpected moments. The same as in SoaW! I can't quite make Yackle out, not without perhaps another read of the book.

Ack! Elphie, now I know Yackle's in SOAW! Grr... Oh well, this is what I get for being so stubborn about not getting the book until it comes out in paperback.

Yackle freaks me out. Then again, all old people that hardly talk and act like they are your mom freak me out.

So Yackle still isn't explained... but at least I'm not the only one waiting for paperback! Is she as crucial to Liir's life as she was Elphaba's?

I'm waiting for paperback too! lol

Yackle is a very strange and intriguing character, but she is also a very pivotal one in Elphaba's development appearing in odd places, but at opportune times; the very strange bar scene during her Shiz years and it was Yackle at the mauntery that gave Elphaba the 'broom' when she left with Liir.

She reappears in SOAW, but she is a little more clearly explained and placed.

According to Gregory Maguire, if you get to the end of Wicked Yackle should be self-explanatory. I... don't believe him

Well, yes and no. I mean, when Elphaba meets up with the dwarf guy doesn't he say that Yackle is not from Oz? Something like she's neither from "here or there"? (totally going off really old memories here) And didn't she bring the Grimmerie with her? I kind of undstood who she was just only to an extent. I felt that he was trying to leave her a bit in mystery so when he says that she should be self-explanatory... Kinda makes me wonder what I missed. I really need to re-read the book.

He also said something about he doesn't know exactly what Yackle's purpose is. He said that every once in a while the run into eachother, but her intentions are unclear. All he knows is that she is there watching and making sure things go how they should or something. :btw: Welcome to the site Raymond!

Oh yeah, he explained that they were after the Wizard, etc, but he never said why she's plaguing Elphaba I always wondered if it was just because she KNEW that the Wizard was Elphaba's father, if she was following him it might be fairly obvious...

Yackle Is So Creepy :ha:
She Appears In The Book Like 10 or 11 Times As Different People

I dont like that character. It confused me even more when i was reading the book group questions in the back and that was one of teh questions. I had to read the whole thing again just to get who she was!!

I'm convinced that the woman at the beginning of Wicked who helps Frex escape from the mob that wants to kill him is Yackle.

^thats really interesting. I'm re-reading the book right now, and its not too hard to think of them as different people. As for Yackle in general, I too am confusified.

I think Yackle is Luriline or Kumbricia.
She seems to Control Melena's, Elphaba's and Liir's actions....
Since she gave the Wizard the Green Elixer,
Elphaba the broom,
and Liir the courage to do what Elphaba would have.