Matilda by Roald Dahl

List of Characters

Character Name	Role
Matilda Wormwood	Protagonist
Miss Trunchbull	Antagonist
Miss Honey	Supporting Character
Mr. Wormwood	Supporting Character
Mrs. Wormwood	Supporting Character

Role Identification

Matilda Wormwood

Matilda is the protagonist of the story, a young and intelligent girl who possesses telekinetic abilities.

Miss Trunchbull

Miss Trunchbull serves as the antagonist, the cruel and oppressive headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School.

Miss Honey

Miss Honey is a supporting character, Matilda's kind-hearted teacher who recognizes her potential and supports her.

Mr. Wormwood

Mr. Wormwood is a supporting character, Matilda's dishonest and neglectful father.

Mrs. Wormwood

Mrs. Wormwood is a supporting character, Matilda's self-absorbed and indifferent mother.

Character Descriptions

Matilda Wormwood

Matilda is a precocious and bright young girl with a deep love for reading and learning. Despite her difficult family circumstances, she remains resilient and uses her intelligence to navigate challenges.

Miss Trunchbull

Miss Trunchbull is a formidable and cruel figure, known for her tyrannical behavior towards the students at Crunchem Hall. Her imposing presence and strict rules create an atmosphere of fear and oppression.

Miss Honey

Miss Honey is a gentle and compassionate teacher who recognizes and nurtures Matilda's exceptional abilities. She is portrayed as kind-hearted and empathetic, providing a stark contrast to Miss Trunchbull's harsh demeanor.

Mr. Wormwood

Mr. Wormwood is depicted as an unscrupulous and dishonest used car salesman who neglects and mistreats Matilda. His dismissive attitude towards education and his daughter's intelligence further accentuates the challenges Matilda faces.

Mrs. Wormwood

Mrs. Wormwood is a self-centered and shallow woman who prioritizes her appearance and social life over her daughter's well-being. Her neglectful parenting contributes to Matilda's isolation and loneliness.

Character Traits

Matilda Wormwood

• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Courageous
• Empathetic
• Determined

Miss Trunchbull

• Authoritarian
• Cruel
• Intimidating
• Uncompromising
• Ruthless

Miss Honey

• Kind-hearted
• Empathetic
• Supportive
• Gentle
• Timid

Mr. Wormwood

• Dishonest
• Neglectful
• Self-centered
• Materialistic
• Manipulative

Mrs. Wormwood

• Superficial
• Indifferent
• Self-absorbed
• Vain
• Neglectful

Character Background

Matilda Wormwood

Matilda grows up in a dysfunctional and neglectful household, where her intellectual pursuits are neither encouraged nor appreciated. Her love for reading and learning becomes her refuge from the challenges she faces at home and school.

Miss Trunchbull

Miss Trunchbull's background is shrouded in mystery, but her reputation as a strict and intimidating figure precedes her. Her harsh treatment of students reflects a troubled past that is hinted at but not fully explored in the story.

Miss Honey

Miss Honey's background reveals a tragic history of familial abuse and mistreatment at the hands of Miss Trunchbull. Despite her difficult upbringing, she remains compassionate and caring, drawing strength from her desire to make a positive impact on her students.

Mr. Wormwood and Mrs. Wormwood

Matilda's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, are depicted as shallow and neglectful individuals whose priorities do not align with their daughter's well-being. Their lack of support and understanding contribute to Matilda's sense of isolation and alienation.

Character Arcs

Matilda Wormwood

Matilda's character arc revolves around her discovery and development of her telekinetic abilities, as well as her journey towards independence and empowerment. She learns to harness her strengths and stand up against injustice, ultimately finding a sense of belonging and purpose.

Miss Trunchbull

Miss Trunchbull's character arc is defined by her tyrannical rule over the school and her eventual confrontation with the truth about her past. Her unresolved trauma and fears drive her antagonistic behavior, culminating in a climactic showdown with Matilda.

Miss Honey

Miss Honey's character arc centers on her growth from a vulnerable and oppressed individual to a resilient and compassionate teacher. Her bond with Matilda and her determination to overcome her past trauma showcase her inner strength and capacity for kindness.

Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood

While Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood do not undergo significant character development, their actions and attitudes serve as catalysts for Matilda's growth and resilience. Their neglect and mistreatment propel Matilda towards independence and self-discovery.

Relationships

Matilda and Miss Honey

Matilda and Miss Honey share a deep bond based on mutual respect and understanding. Miss Honey recognizes Matilda's potential and provides the support and validation that Matilda lacks at home. Their relationship becomes a source of strength for both characters.

Matilda and Miss Trunchbull

Matilda's relationship with Miss Trunchbull is characterized by conflict and tension. Miss Trunchbull's oppressive behavior towards Matilda and the other students fuels Matilda's determination to challenge her authority and stand up for what is right.

Matilda and Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood

Matilda's relationship with her parents is strained and marked by neglect and indifference. Their dismissive attitude towards her intelligence and interests creates a sense of isolation for Matilda, leading her to seek connections and support elsewhere.

Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull

Miss Honey's relationship with Miss Trunchbull is rooted in a dark history of abuse and manipulation. Miss Trunchbull's mistreatment of Miss Honey in the past influences their dynamic and sets the stage for a confrontation that resolves long-standing tensions.

In conclusion, the characters in Matilda embody a wide range of traits and experiences, shaping a narrative that explores resilience, empowerment, and the impact of relationships on personal growth. Matilda's journey towards self-discovery and her interactions with the other characters contribute to the rich tapestry of themes within the story.