The Witch of the Waste is a character from the novel "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones. She is depicted as a powerful and malevolent sorceress who seeks to control others through her magic. Her appearance is often described as old and grotesque, reflecting her dark nature and the consequences of her actions. In the story, the Witch of the Waste plays a significant role in the conflict between the protagonist, Sophie Hatter, and the wizard Howl Jenkins. Her jealousy and desire for power lead her to curse Sophie, setting off a chain of events that drives the plot forward and explores themes of identity and transformation.