Charlie Bucket is the titular protagonist of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He is a young boy who lives with his family—including his parents and both sets of grandparents—in a “small wooden house on the edge of a great town” (4). Their family name—“Bucket”—indicates a people who are humble and supportive of each other. Charlie’s family relies on the income of his father, Mr. Bucket, who works at a factory where he screws lids onto toothpaste tubes; they are very poor. Despite this, Charlie is a happy child for the most part. He is characterized by his Kindness and Patience, offering to share his one birthday chocolate bar with his family.

Having heard stories of Mr. Willy Wonka and his inventions, Charlie is intrigued by Wonka’s Factory—and finally gets the chance to visit upon finding the fifth Golden Ticket. At the end of the novel, Charlie’s prospects change, as he is gifted the factory for being the most suitable heir of the five winners. Despite this, he remains humble.

Grandpa Joe is 96 years old. He lives with his wife, Grandma Josephine, as well as the other Buckets. Due to the family’s poverty, Grandpa Joe shares a bed with Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georgina.