Here's a breakdown of the characters and their credibility:
Credible Characters:
* Charlie Bucket: Charlie is portrayed as a kind, hardworking, and humble boy. He is the most relatable and believable character in the story.
* Grandpa Joe: Though Grandpa Joe's ability to walk after years of bedriddenness might be a stretch, he embodies the joy and wonder of childhood, reminding readers of the magic of imagination.
Unbelievable Characters:
* Willy Wonka: Wonka is a bizarre, eccentric, and sometimes even cruel character. His motives are often unclear, and his inventions are often fantastical and unrealistic.
* The Other Children: Each of the other children represents a specific vice: greed, gluttony, rudeness, etc. Their personalities are over-the-top and meant to serve as cautionary tales.
* The Oompa Loompas: Their origins and unusual physical features are unexplained and unbelievable. They are meant to be whimsical and to provide comedic relief, rather than being grounded in reality.
The Purpose of Unbelievable Characters:
Roald Dahl's choice to make his characters unbelievable serves multiple purposes:
* Humor: The exaggerated personalities and situations create comedic moments, making the story more entertaining.
* Moral Lessons: The children's flaws are amplified, highlighting the dangers of greed, selfishness, and disrespect.
* Fantasy: The story's magic and wonder are enhanced by the fantastical elements, allowing readers to escape into a world of imagination.
Overall:
The characters in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are not meant to be completely credible. They are meant to be engaging, entertaining, and to convey important moral messages. While the story is grounded in reality, its fantastical elements and exaggerated personalities add to its unique charm and enduring appeal.