Boq is one of these fictional people, “not as big as the grown folk… but neither were they very small”
The Final Jeopardy clue for April 3, 2025, came from the category Fictional Characters and referenced a character named Boq. Contestants were asked to identify the group of fictional people to which Boq belongs, using a quotation that described them as “not as big as the grown folk… but neither were they very small.”
What are Munchkins?
Boq is a character from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, first published in 1900. He is one of the Munchkins, the people who inhabit the eastern region of the Land of Oz. Though not one of the central characters in the original book, Boq is known for welcoming Dorothy when she arrives in Oz and providing her with food and shelter. The description in the clue refers to the book’s portrayal of Munchkins, who are depicted as slightly shorter than average adults, but not miniature or child-sized as some later adaptations suggest.
Origins and Evolution of the Munchkins
In Baum’s original text, the Munchkins are characterized as a peaceful and kind group, distinct primarily by their fashion and allegiance to the Good Witch of the North. The quote used in the clue reflects Baum’s early narrative voice, where he carefully describes the Munchkins’ stature to emphasize their otherworldly nature without making them seem comical or grotesque. The Munchkins wear blue clothing, a color that symbolizes loyalty in the land of Oz.
Over time, the image of the Munchkins became more closely associated with the 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz. In the film, they are played by adult actors of short stature and are shown celebrating the demise of the Wicked Witch of the East in a musical number. This adaptation cemented the idea of Munchkins as very small people in the popular imagination, diverging somewhat from Baum’s original depiction.
Boq’s Role in Expanded Adaptations
While Boq plays a relatively minor role in the original novel, the character gained renewed attention through Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and its hit musical adaptation. In Wicked, Boq becomes a more developed character, appearing as a fellow student at Shiz University and a friend of Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. This modern retelling added new layers to Boq’s story and expanded his relevance in Oz’s fictional universe.
These reinterpretations have helped maintain Boq’s presence in contemporary storytelling. Though Baum’s Boq is mainly remembered for his kindness toward Dorothy, the character’s later portrayals have explored themes of unrequited love, social ambition, and transformation, especially in the context of the Wicked narrative. Despite these changes, Boq remains firmly tied to his identity as a Munchkin.
A Clue Rooted in Literary Tradition
The phrasing of the Final Jeopardy clue, quoting directly from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, anchored the question in its literary roots. This approach rewarded contestants with familiarity not only of Ozian characters but also of Baum’s original language. While the Munchkins are often remembered through the lens of popular film and theatre, returning to the source material offers a more nuanced view of how they were originally imagined.
By highlighting Boq and providing a physical description, the clue subtly pointed away from the stereotypical film portrayal and back toward Baum’s text, offering a deeper layer of challenge. Contestants needed to recognize both the character and the broader group he represents, demonstrating knowledge of classic children’s literature rather than pop culture alone.
Conclusion
April 3’s Final Jeopardy clue brought attention to a secondary but meaningful character from one of America’s most enduring literary works. Boq’s identity as a Munchkin is foundational to his role in the Land of Oz, and the description in the clue captured the spirit of Baum’s original world-building. Whether remembered through books, film, or stage adaptations, the Munchkins remain a distinct and memorable group in the landscape of fictional characters.