Charlie’s life changes drastically over the course of the novel. In what ways is he rewarded for the sacrifices that he and his family have made? How does he grow and change from the beginning to the end of the story? Consider these points as you reflect on the text:

• How does Charlie compare with other kids, both in the factory and in his daily life?
• How are Charlie’s adult role models different from those of Veruca, Augustus, Violet, and Mike?
• How is Charlie characterized throughout the text? What does he say and do, and how do other characters respond to him?

Teaching Suggestion: Students should think about the lessons that Roald Dahl tries to impart through his characters. To encourage students to think about these and other messages within the novel, consider directing them to the book’s central themes of Kindness and Patience Will Be Rewarded and Greed and Gluttony Will Be Punished.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from additional guidance could create a t-chart that lists moments before Charlie enters the factory on the left side and moments after on the right side. Students could also discuss these different moments in group, which would encourage collaboration.