Introduction

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is more than just a story about Oompa Loompas and Everlasting Gobstoppers.  Willy Wonka thought it was important to have a responsible, honest, trustworthy person running his factory.  The characters that Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, created had qualities that you would and would not want in a citizen. The characters that he created over forty years ago can still teach us about the effects of violence, watching too much TV, fame, fortune, and what happens if you become an instant celebrity.  Why is it important to understand the effects of these types of things?  What qualities are important in a good citizen?  Why did Willy Wonka choose Charlie over the other children?