Matilda by Roald Dahl

Published in 1988, the novel tells the story of a young English girl named Matilda Wormwood, who shows signs of remarkable intelligence from an early age.
Matilda lives in an emotionally abusive household with her parents and brother, and attends a school with an authoritarian headmistress named Miss Trunchbull.

Protagonist of the novel, Matilda is a precocious and intelligent young girl who loves to read and escape her family's terrible treatment.
She is small, sneaky, and smart, but remains humble and kind despite her exceptional abilities.
Matilda develops the magical power of telekinesis, which she uses to overthrow Miss Trunchbull and help Miss Honey.
By the end of the novel, Matilda loses her telekinetic powers after finding a happy and supportive home with Miss Honey.

Matilda's father, a dishonest car salesman who cheats his customers and treats Matilda with extreme unkindness.
Described as a "small ratty-looking man" with a thin mustache, Mr. Wormwood favors his son Michael and hopes he will emulate his shady tactics.
His business practices eventually force the family to flee at the end of the novel.

Matilda's mother, who looks down on her daughter's intelligence and dedication to reading, believing looks and money are more important.
Described as a large woman with dyed blonde hair, Mrs. Wormwood spends most of her time watching TV, wearing excessive makeup, and bragging about her husband's income.

The cruel and mean headmistress at Matilda's school, who hates children and is a former Olympian athlete.
Described as a very large and imposing figure, Miss Trunchbull is always angry and scowling, regularly speaking by shouting and punishing students for no reason.
Later revealed to be Miss Honey's abusive aunt.

Matilda's kind and gentle teacher, who recognizes and nurtures her remarkable intelligence.
Described as a "mild and quiet person" who welcomes nervous newcomers with open arms, Miss Honey is the only kind adult in the novel.
She is Miss Trunchbull's niece, who stole her inheritance and forced her to live a poor life, but is eventually freed by Matilda's determination.

Matilda's best friend at school, who is exceptionally small for her age and has dark hair and deep-brown eyes.
Lavender is gutsy and adventurous, and is inspired by Matilda's pranks on her parents to prank Miss Trunchbull by putting a newt in her drinking water.

Matilda's older brother, who is described as a "perfectly normal boy" but takes on his father's love for scamming people out of money as he gets older.
Michael waves goodbye to Matilda when the family leaves at the end of the novel, showing he is not as negatively towards her as their parents.