The character known as Bruxa da Terra Abandonada, or the Witch of the Waste, is a primary antagonist in the narrative who embodies arrogance, possessiveness, and a deep-seated obsession. Before the events of the story, she was banished to the desolate wastelands fifty years prior as punishment for her actions, and her driving motivation throughout much of the plot is to return to the royal court and reclaim her former status and power. Her primary obsession is the mager Howl, whom she relentlessly pursues with the specific goal of seizing his heart for herself.

Her personality is defined by a commanding and cruel demeanor, driven by envy and a sense of entitlement. This is most clearly demonstrated when she confronts the young hat-maker Sophie. After seeing Sophie with Howl, the Witch curses the girl out of jealousy, transforming her into a frail, elderly woman to strip her of her youth and independence. This act sets the central conflict of the story in motion.

The Witch's role in the story evolves significantly following a crucial confrontation at the royal palace. When she appears before Madame Suliman, the court magician, she is stripped of her immense magical powers as punishment for her past transgressions. This event is a pivotal turning point; the once-terrifying sorceress is reduced to the frail, senile old woman she had forced Sophie to become. With her powers gone and her memories scattered, she becomes largely harmless and dependent on others. In a remarkable turn, she is taken in by Sophie and comes to live in Howl's Moving Castle. Her key relationships, therefore, transform completely. She begins as a terrifying rival to Howl and an enemy to Sophie, but ends the story as a pathetic figure who is cared for by her former victims, living as an eccentric member of their household.

Regarding her development, the loss of her magic serves as a harsh but cleansing punishment, stripping away the malice that her power and ambition fueled. In her weakened state, she loses her aggressive edge and becomes a more neutral, almost comical presence. Her notable abilities, before their removal, were formidable. She possessed powerful magic capable of casting complex curses that alter a person's physical age and form, as well as the ability to pursue her targets across great distances. Her power was significant enough that she was considered a direct threat to Howl and warranted intervention from the kingdom's highest magical authority, Madame Suliman.