Character Analysis
Mrs. Bucket is the kind of mother everyone wants. She's loving, caring, attentive, and affectionate. She, like her husband, often offers Charlie her share of the food, and refers to him lovingly as "Charlie, dear" (3.26), "my darling." (3.28), and "my love" (6.16).
She doesn't just worry about whether or not Charlie gets enough to eat. You can tell she's concerned for his happiness, too. When Charlie opens his chocolate bar gift on his birthday, hoping there will be a Golden Ticket inside, "Mrs. Bucket said gently, 'You mustn't be too disappointed, my darling, if you don't find what you're looking for underneath that wrapper'" (7.6).
So it figures that when Charlie does find the Golden Ticket, she's the first one he calls to (12.1). He wants to share that awesome moment with his mother. But when things get a little too exciting, Mrs. Bucket is sure to keep everyone calm. She's clearly concerned about the health of all those old and tired grandparents, and she asks her husband, "'Don't you think you ought to go?'" (12.26). She wants to stay home, saying, "'I certainly can't go myself and leave the other three old people all alone in bed for a whole day.'" Maybe she's just being practical, but we think it's quite selfless. Come on – who wouldn't want to go to a chocolate factory?