Elsa Mars

In the fictional universe of American Horror Story, Elsa resided in Jupiter, Florida who ran one of the last surviving freak shows in the country.

But when she reached her desired goal in life, Elsa felt incomplete knowing that she betrayed all her friends for fame and popularity.

[3] It has been rumored that Elsa Mars' style, appearance, and character are loosely based on World War II entertainer, Marlene Dietrich.

[3][4] In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy claimed that "Jessica Lange has always wanted to play a Marlene Dietrich figure, and now she gets to.

"[citation needed] Jessica Lange was cast for the role of Elsa Mars before official development of Freak Show began.

Within the next few days, Elsa recruits two new freaks to join her troupe and is visited by Maggie Esmerelda, who pretends to be a fortune teller to lure Stanley into her home.

Finding pity, Mordrake selects Elsa as his newest member before quickly changing his mind in favor of Twisty the Clown.

Ethel planned on shooting Elsa dead in her tent but was ultimately killed by her friend after having a knife pierce her skull.

Stanley's actions are eventually thwarted when he is uncovered by Maggie Esmerelda, who reveals to Elsa and the other freaks who were responsible for the death of Ma Petite and the disappearance of Salty.

Using previous assets, Elsa abandons her freak show, sells it to Dandy Mott, and flees for Hollywood, where she plans on becoming an actress.

Considering her horrific past, Elsa was an anti-villain who knew that ‘the show must go on,’ no matter how many bodies dropped or killers lurked around her company.

"[9] Sam Damshenas for Gay Times ranked Elsa Mars as Jessica Lange's worst portrayal on American Horror Story, but still delivering a positive review for both the character and actress.

[11] Her earlier backstory of prostitution and simply, shown throughout several episodes, is considered the weakest part of the character, many critics believing it to be too inappropriate and disturbing.

The set that they built, that rundown carnival freak show with all the roundabouts and the actual actors, the people that came in to play those parts — for me, it was like a long poem.