Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of eleven-year-old Charlie Bucket, who lives in poverty with his parents and four bed-ridden grandparents who all share the same bed. Charlie’s father barely makes enough money to support the family, and the grandparents require constant care from his mother. Although they all live together in a small house, the grandparents look forward to Charlie’s visits every night after dinner. During this time, Grandpa Joe tells Charlie stories as all the other family members listen in awe. It is a time when the family is able to forget about their troubles and simply be happy. As soon as the grandparents see Charlie entering their room, they become excited. As Roald Dahl writes, “For they loved this little boy. He was the only bright thing in their lives.”

It is during one of these after dinner visits that Grandpa Joe tells Charlie about Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, where Grandpa Joe used to work. After hearing the story, the news announces that a golden wrapper will be hidden inside five chocolate bars, and the children who find those wrappers will get a tour of the factory, which has been closed for years. After four tickets were found, Charlie is lucky enough to find a dollar bill, which buys him the fifth candy bar with the golden ticket. He and Grandpa Joe go on the tour of the chocolate factory. When Charlie is the only remaining child at the end of the tour, Will Wonka names him as his successor.