Who was Miss Trunchbull, and why were the children afraid of her?

Miss Trunchbull is the headmistress of Matilda’s school, and the story’s main antagonist. She is also the legal guardian of Miss Honey. Trunchbull is a fearsome creature, and she utterly despises children. She is abusive towards Miss Honey as well as to her students and frequently makes use of a torture chamber called the “Chokey” to punish them. Matilda uses her unique powers to restore Miss Honey to her house and her rightful inheritance, and Trunchbull is never seen again.