Mr. and Mrs. Teavee

Character Analysis

Mr. and Mrs. Teavee never make much of a splash. In fact, we don't meet them until the thrilling elevator ride in Chapter 25. But even then, they don't do much except freak out every once in a while.

The most important freak out of course comes when Mike, their son, sends himself through the television. The Teavees are understandably a little worried that their son has disappeared into a great big machine. When he reappears, but has shrunk so much that he can fit in his mother's hand (27.45), they're even more upset. We think that's a pretty reasonable reaction.

In fact, of all the terrible parents in the book, the Teavees are probably the least terrible. They, at least, seem to learn their lesson. When Mike seems unworried about living life the size of a figurine because he'll still be able to watch television, Mr. Teavee shouts, "Never again! […] I'm throwing the television set right out the window the moment we get home. I've had enough of television!" (27.55). Maybe now they'll be able to get little Mike to read a book. Then again, maybe not.