Matilda is 5 years old and mind-bogglingly smart.  She loves to read and tell fantastical stories.   Her parents don’t understand her—they think she’s absolutely batty—but Matilda is determined to prove that their little girl is a big hero!

Agatha Trunchbull is the headmistress of Crunchem Hall and an Olympic Hammer-throwing Champion.  Trunchbull lives by the school’s motto, “bambinatum est maggitum” (children are maggots), and rules Crunchem Hall with an iron fist.

Mrs. Wormwood is more interested in dancing in the bi-annual international amateur Salsa and Ballroom Dancing Championships than being a mother to Matilda.  She values looks over books and believes that to get anywhere in life, you gotta be LOUD!

Harry Wormwood is Matilda’s father.  He is also a used car salesman with a few scruples loose.  He believes (incorrectly) that he is very, very, very smart, and he can “garrantorically” state that all he’s learned in life, he’s learned from watching television.

Miss Honey is Matilda’s teacher at Crunchem Hall.  She is not very confident (she’s actually quite meek), but what she lacks in guts she more than makes up for in kindness and understanding.

Mrs. Phelps is the librarian at Matilda’s favorite place, (you guessed it) The Library!  She loves stories—especially Matilda’s—and practically counts the seconds until she can hear the newest chapter in our hero’s next fantastical tale.