Bruce Bogtrotter Character Analysis in Matilda

Bruce Bogtrotter is a round little 10-year-old at Crunchem Hall Primary School. When Miss Trunchbull accuses him of being greedy and sneaking her piece of special cake off her tea tray, Bruce denies the accusation. But when, to punish him for his theft, Miss Trunchbull produces a massive cake and tells Bruce he must eat the entire thing in front of his classmates, Bruce rises to the occasion and does just that. This, of course, angers Miss Trunchbull, who expected eating so much cake to be torture. Bruce is so stuffed with cake by the end that when she breaks the cake plate over his head, Bruce doesn’t even feel it.

Bruce Bogtrotter Character Timeline in Matilda

The timeline below shows where the character Bruce Bogtrotter appears in Matilda. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...seated, the Trunchbull takes the stage with a riding crop and calls a boy named Bruce Bogtrotter to the stage. Bruce is a round boy and very nervous; he eyes the... (full context)

Family, Institutions, and Chosen Family Theme Icon

Then, the Trunchbull leans down to Bruce and quietly asks if he liked the cake. Bruce can’t help himself—he says the cake... (full context)

The Trunchbull asks the cook if she has more cake to share with Bruce. Right on cue, the cook disappears and returns with a huge cake, 18 inches in... (full context)

The Power of Fighting Injustice Theme Icon

Matilda and Lavender watch, fascinated, as Bruce eats three slices of cake. They’re not sure he can do it—especially with the Trunchbull... (full context)