As he traveled, the Scarecrow didn't gain something new. Just like with Dorothy, the Scarecrow's journey as a character is not about change or growth. But the smart thoughts? Those he's had all along. When the Wizard finally gives him a 'brain' (which is just some pins and needles mixed with bran) the Scarecrow gains the confidence he needs to feel good about himself. She answers with the obvious: she's always liked him just the way he is. 'Surely you will think more of me when you hear the splendid thoughts my new brain is going to turn out,' he tells Dorothy (16.3). 'Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge,' he says, 'and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get' (15.78). The Wizard, too, provides insight into the Scarecrow's situation. 'One would almost suspect you had brains in your head, instead of straw' (7.26).

'That is a first rate idea,' says the Lion at one point. While the Scarecrow doesn't seem to notice his own brilliance, his friends sure do. And when the Lion falls asleep in the poppy field, he engineers a mouse-drawn chariot to haul his big friend to safety. When they're faced with a river, he thinks to build a raft. When the travelers can't move forward because of a ditch, he thinks to build a bridge. Whenever the gang comes upon an obstacle-and they come upon them all the time-he's the one who thinks their way out of it. The sad irony of the Scarecrow's life is that his greatest insecurity happens to be his greatest strength. Wherever he goes in Oz, he's always the smartest guy in the room. Will he, though? Because we're about to let you in on a little secret about the Scarecrow: he doesn't need a brain. When I have brains I shall probably like them better' (8.42). When Dorothy asks him if he thinks a field of flowers is beautiful, he says, 'I suppose so. And that sense of self-consciousness seems to negatively impact his quality of life. 'It is such an uncomfortable feeling to know one is a fool' (4.26).

Worse, now he has a huge complex about it. A crow made fun of him for not having a brain, and the Scarecrow took it very, very personally. Problem is, his first day in the cornfield didn't go so well. He came into existence when a farmer painted on his eyes, ears, and mouth. What happened in the world before that time is unknown to me' (4.12). Same diff.) 'My life has been so short that I really know nothing whatever,' he tells Dorothy. (Well, technically the day before yesterday. The thing is, Scarecrow was born yesterday. Best of all, he doesn't eat or drink anything (hey, more for us!) or even require sleep because he's…well, a scarecrow. And he's loyal-loyal enough to take out his own stuffing to protect in you in a fight (as he does for his pals in 'The Search for the Wicked Witch') or abandon his kingdom to help you find your way home (as he does for Dorothy in 'Away to the South'). He's up for trying anything because he can't get hurt.

The Scarecrow is the first friend that Dorothy makes on the yellow brick road, and he's exactly the kind of guy who makes a perfect companion on a road trip.

Wizard of oz scarecrow with a gun