What job does Harry Wormwood have in Roald Dahl’s Matilda?

In Roald Dahl’s Matilda, Harry Wormwood is a used-car salesman.

Harry runs a business selling second-hand cars and takes pride in methods that are dishonest, including tampering with vehicles before selling them. His profession reflects his character: he measures success by money and treats cleverness as a tool for getting an advantage.

Harry’s attitude creates a sharp contrast with Matilda. She values books, learning, and kindness, while he dismisses reading and mocks her intelligence. Their conflict is one of the central family tensions in the novel.

Harry is sometimes confused with Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School. Trunchbull is an intimidating former athlete, whereas Harry is Matilda’s father and the family’s used-car dealer.