- Matilda Wormwood: The protagonist, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She is kind, compassionate, and often uses her powers to help others and right wrongs.
- Miss Jennifer Honey: Matilda's kind and dedicated teacher who recognizes Matilda's potential. She becomes Matilda's confidant and advocate.
- Mr. Wormwood: Matilda's father, a dishonest and greedy businessman who is neglectful and dismissive of Matilda.
- Mrs. Wormwood: Matilda's mother, a former ballroom dancer who is vain, self-absorbed, and uninterested in Matilda.
- Michael Wormwood: Matilda's older brother, who is spoiled, manipulative, and bullies Matilda.
- The Trunchbull: The cruel and oppressive headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School, where Matilda attends.
- Lavender: A friend of Matilda's who supports and encourages her.
- Bruce Bogtrotter: A chubby classmate of Matilda's who faces the Trunchbull's wrath and subsequently becomes a friend of Matilda's.
- Miss Phelps: The kind librarian who guides Matilda on her literary journey and becomes an ally.