Boy Character Analysis

Roald

Roald is the author of Boy and the protagonist of the narrative. Over the course of the book, Roald grows from a child to a young man. Throughout it all, he maintains a love of… read analysis of Roald

Roald’s Mother

Roald’s mother, Sofie Dahl, is the second wife of Roald’s father. Born and raised in Norway, Sofie is considered a “foreigner” by most members of British society. After Roald’s father dies, Roald’s mother… read analysis of Roald’s Mother

Roald’s Father

Roald’s father, Harald Dahl, has two children with his first wife and four children (including Roald) with Sofie, his second wife. Born in Norway, Harald and his brother Oscar run away from their… read analysis of Roald’s Father

Mrs. Pratchett

Mrs. Pratchett owns the sweet shop near the Llandaff Cathedral School. Roald and his friends love the shop and visit it nearly every day, but they dislike the old, dirty, and rude Mrs. Pratchett. When… read analysis of Mrs. Pratchett

Mr. Coombes

Mr. Coombes is the Headmaster of the Llandaff Cathedral School. Roald remembers him as a tall, intimidating figure, a description that underscores his power and authority over the small children in his care. After Mrs.… read analysis of Mr. Coombes

Matron

Matron oversees the dormitory at St. Peter’s School. When the students are in their dormitories, she has total authority over them and can send them to the St. Peter’s Headmaster to be beaten without justification… read analysis of Matron

Captain Hardcastle

Captain Hardcastle is the Latin teacher at St. Peter’s. Roald describes him as the cruelest of all of the Masters at that school. Captain Hardcastle earned his title in World War I, but as Roald… read analysis of Captain Hardcastle

The St. Peter’s Headmaster

The St. Peter’s Headmaster is the ultimate authority at St. Peter’s School. Roald is slightly less critical of him than he is of Mr. Coombes and the Repton Headmaster, but he still suffers under… read analysis of The St. Peter’s Headmaster

Dr. Dunbar

Dr. Dunbar, the Dahl family’s doctor, practices in Cardiff. One of few named authority figures to treat Roald with kindness and respect, Dr. Dunbar takes pity on Roald after an episode of homesickness that inspires… read analysis of Dr. Dunbar

Roald’s Half-Sister

Roald’s half-sister is the child of Roald’s father and his first wife. She is several years older than Roald. During Roald’s first Christmas break home from St. Peter’s, Roald’s half-sister crashes a new motorcar… read analysis of Roald’s Half-Sister

Roald’s Half-Sister’s Fiancé

Roald’s half-sister’s fiancé is a jovial man who smokes a pipe. Roald’s half-sister invites him to Norway for the family’s summer vacation, and the two of them spend most of their time alone… read analysis of Roald’s Half-Sister’s Fiancé

Roald’s Uncle

Roald’s uncle, Oscar Dahl, is the brother of Roald’s father. Roald’s uncle and father leave their home in Norway together as young men before parting ways in France to make their separate fortunes… read analysis of Roald’s Uncle

Thwaites

Thwaites is the only one of Roald’s friends from the Llandaff Cathedral School whose name he remembers. Since his father is a doctor with a penchant for telling elaborate stories, Thwaites confidently relates fiction… read analysis of Thwaites

Tweedie

Tweedie is a younger student at St. Peter’s School. One night in the dormitory, Tweedie snores loudly and wakes Matron. Angry at being disrupted, Matron cruelly punishes Tweedie by shoving soap into his mouth… read analysis of Tweedie

Highton

Highton is a student at St. Peter’s School. After the St. Peter’s Headmaster canes Roald following Captain Hardcastle’s false accusation of cheating, Highton tells Roald that he will write to his father to insist… read analysis of Highton

Ellis

Ellis is a student at St. Peter’s School. In his narration, Roald calls him “Little Ellis.” While Roald is in the infirmary for a fever, Ellis occupies the bed next to him because he has… read analysis of Ellis

The Repton Headmaster

The Repton Headmaster is the ultimate authority at the Repton School. The Headmaster never beats Roald with the cane, but Roald’s friend tells him that the man lectures boys on their sins in between… read analysis of The Repton Headmaster

Corkers

Corkers is the mathematics teacher at the Repton School. Lazy and eccentric, Corkers thinks of elaborate plans to entertain his classes without actually teaching them mathematics. One of Corkers’s favorite stunts is to declare that… read analysis of Corkers

Williamson

Williamson is an older student and “Boazer” (an older student who has authority over younger students) at the Repton School. He’s also a star athlete, which makes him physically imposing. When Williamson beats the younger… read analysis of Williamson

Wilberforce

Wilberforce is an older student and “Boazer” (an older student who has authority over younger students) at the Repton School. Wilberforce demands that Roald keep his toilet seat warm, which Roald does successfully. Wilberforce tells… read analysis of Wilberforce

Arthur Norris

Arthur Norris is the art teacher at the Repton School. When Roald develops a love and talent for photography, Norris admires his work and invites him to his residence for tea. The two of them… read analysis of Arthur Norris

The Housemaster

Roald’s housemaster at the Repton School offers him advice as Roald searches for a job after graduation. When Roald tells him that he’s interested in working for the Shell company, Roald’s housemaster snorts at him… read analysis of The Housemaster

The Shell Director

The Shell Director is a senior employee of Shell, where Roald works after graduation. The Director tries to place Roald in Egypt, but Roald begs to be sent to Africa or Asia so that he… read analysis of The Shell Director

Minor Characters

Carleton

Carleton is an older student and “Boazer” (an older student who has authority over younger students) at the Repton School. Roald is assigned to take orders from Carleton, who frequently demands that Roald clean his room and then combs through his work looking for mistakes.

Bestemama

Bestemama is Roald’s maternal grandmother. Roald remembers little about her other than that she is quiet and reserved.

Bestepapa

Bestepapa is Roald’s maternal grandfather. Roald remembers little about him other than that he is quiet and reserved.

St. Peter’s School Doctor

The St. Peter’s School Doctor oversees sick children at St. Peter’s School with the help of Matron.

Astri

Astri is Roald’s oldest sister. She dies of appendicitis when Roald is three. Roald’s father, who adores her, dies soon after.

Boy Characters