100 Kick-Ass Female Characters: #19
19. Matilda Wormwood, as seen in the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl and the movie Matilda, portrayed by Mara Wilson
Is there any child of the 90s who did not spend a significant amount of time trying to move things with their brain after reading this book/watching this movie? No? Just me?
I will admit I am not the biggest Roald Dahl fan. I am one of the 3 people on earth who has no real attachment to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," I dislike "James and th Giant Peach," and "The Witches" scarred me for life. But Matilda is such a great character, I cannot help but adore her.
Matilda is the neglected child of two terrible people; she is also abnormally intelligent. Having taught herself to read and devouring every book possible, she is even more of an outsider in her home. When she finally convinces her parents to send her to school, the headmistress is a psychopath and a bully, giving Matilda very little peace. But Matilda receives a lesson from her father which defines her entire story: when a person is bad, they deserve to be punished. And Matilda goes about punishing those who do wrong in delightfully hilarious ways.
Matilda also teaches herself to be telekinetic. At first it is accidental but she soon learns to master the talent so she can make a better life for herself, Miss Honey, and the other terrorized students at school. Matilda is smart, resourceful, and brave, a trio of characteristics that there is sadly not enough of in fiction for middle-grade readers.
And did I mention she can move stuff with her mind? Because that's pretty kick-ass.
Is there any child of the 90s who did not spend a significant amount of time trying to move things with their brain after reading this book/watching this movie? No? Just me?
I will admit I am not the biggest Roald Dahl fan. I am one of the 3 people on earth who has no real attachment to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," I dislike "James and th Giant Peach," and "The Witches" scarred me for life. But Matilda is such a great character, I cannot help but adore her.
Matilda is the neglected child of two terrible people; she is also abnormally intelligent. Having taught herself to read and devouring every book possible, she is even more of an outsider in her home. When she finally convinces her parents to send her to school, the headmistress is a psychopath and a bully, giving Matilda very little peace. But Matilda receives a lesson from her father which defines her entire story: when a person is bad, they deserve to be punished. And Matilda goes about punishing those who do wrong in delightfully hilarious ways.
Matilda also teaches herself to be telekinetic. At first it is accidental but she soon learns to master the talent so she can make a better life for herself, Miss Honey, and the other terrorized students at school. Matilda is smart, resourceful, and brave, a trio of characteristics that there is sadly not enough of in fiction for middle-grade readers.
And did I mention she can move stuff with her mind? Because that's pretty kick-ass.