Do we like them?

Do we like Veruca Salt?

A character from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)

Our score: 3 out of 10. Not really. She is rude, greedy and bossy, and she treats everyone as staff. She's a fun cautionary tale, but we wouldn't follow her anywhere.

Veruca Salt is the daughter of a wealthy peanut-factory owner. She has been given everything she has ever asked for. When she wants a Golden Ticket, her father has his workers unwrap chocolate bars until one turns up. That wins her a place on Willy Wonka's famous factory tour.

On the tour, her catchphrase is 'I want it now!' She demands one wonder after another, from the factory's sweets to its trained squirrels, and she ignores warnings and manners alike. She is loud, impatient and sure the world owes her, and the others find her tiresome.

We score her low because she is selfish and entitled and never thinks about anyone else. She does have some sympathy coming, since her parents created the monster. Even so, she never shows warmth, curiosity or humility, and the story clearly presents her as a lesson.