Trunchbull

Trunchbull is a fictional character and the main antagonist in Roald Dahl's 1988 children's novel Matilda. She is the tyrannical headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School and the aunt of the protagonist, Matilda Wormwood. Trunchbull is depicted as a formidable and cruel figure, known for her immense physical strength, her imposing stature, and her sadistic disciplinary methods.

Her appearance is described as masculine and brutish, with a large, square face, a powerful build, and a tendency to wear a riding habit. Trunchbull despises children, viewing them as pests and nuisances. She employs a variety of brutal punishments, including the "Chokey," a narrow, claustrophobic cupboard filled with nails, and the "Eton Mess," where she throws students by their pigtails. Her favorite sport is hammer throwing, and she is known to have thrown unruly students using this method.

Trunchbull's cruelty extends beyond her physical punishments. She is also intellectually dim and deeply superstitious, believing in the power of ghosts and the ability of children to play tricks on her. Her reign of terror at Crunchem Hall is a central conflict in Matilda, highlighting the importance of intelligence, courage, and the power of the underdog against oppressive authority. Matilda eventually uses her telekinetic powers to expose Trunchbull's wrongdoings and drive her away, liberating the school and its students. The character has been adapted for stage and film, retaining her menacing presence and iconic villainy.