In 1865, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published by author Lewis Carroll. In 1951, Disney released an animated movie version of this story. And in 2010, Tim Burton put out a live-action film adaptation.
Yes, Alice in Wonderland is a classic and popular tale, full of whimsy. From Alice’s life at home to her time after she falls down the rabbit hole, she is surrounded by intriguing characters. Some of them teach her valuable lessons, while others just seem to exist to make those around them miserable! And 10 of them are listed below, as the five best and five worst characters in this story.
Best: Alice
First up is the star of it all, Alice. She is a young girl with a vivid imagination, and she would much rather be watching the clouds float by, playing with her cat, singing and daydreaming than doing school lessons or attending stuffy parties put on by her family.
In Wonderland, she is forced to make some tough decisions, get to know herself better, and stand up to some not-so-nice people. And through it all, she shows that she can be strong, insightful, brave, fun, caring, and feisty.
Worst: Queen of Hearts
Without a doubt, the Queen of Hearts belongs on the worst list, though she is a fan favorite Disney villain; while people don’t necessarily like or agree with her methods, she is this bold character with a big personality, making for some entertaining scenes.
Those around her are always terrified, as she can snap at any moment. She must get her way all the time!
Best: Mad Hatter
One of the most well-known characters from Wonderland is The Mad Hatter, who celebrates un-birthdays, enjoys riddles, and drinks tea. In Tim Burton’s film, a darker and more elaborate backstory was told, showing a more serious side.
Whether this vivid soul is singing, offering up advice, or hanging out with The March Hare and the Dormouse, he is making for some exciting moments.
Worst: Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
Of course, Alice also encounters twin brothers named Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and to be honest, they are a bit annoying. Several characters in Wonderland could be described this way, as nothing makes sense and everything is drawn out with jokes and dances.
These two, specifically, however, seem to belong on this list in this way. After all, their names are used in today’s time as insults!
Best: Cheshire Cat
Next up is the Cheshire Cat. Sure, this one-of-a-kind animal can be egotistical like the queen, too silly like the twins and contradicting like the White Rabbit. But this character also makes Alice stop and think and continue on her journey and has become one of the most legendary Disney cats of all time.
Worst: King of Hearts
Not many Disney villains have partners by their sides, but when it comes to the Queen of Hearts, there is the King of Hearts. He can actually be sort of friendly and nice, at times, but he is a weak man.
He allows the queen to walk all over him and boss everyone around in a horrible way. Just think of the heads that could have been saved, if he had just tried to persuade her, stand up to her, or please her in other ways.
Best: Caterpillar
Ah, the Caterpillar, with his hookah and his iconic line: “Whooo... are .. you?” In the cartoon movie, he yells at Alice, blows smoke in her face, and ignores her, and in the movie from 2010, he helps Alice remember that she has been to Wonderland and is voiced by Alan Rickman.
While his personality may vary from adaptation to adaptation, he could be one of the best characters. He is memorable and powerful. He guides Alice (one way or another). And he transforms into a butterfly, just as Alice changes and grows and matures.
Worst: White Rabbit
Throughout Alice’s story, she asks different people and creatures for help, beginning with the White Rabbit. And while many ignore her, this guy is the worst about it. He can’t seem to slow down for anyone, as he is fidgeting around and going on about being late!
When he does stop and talk, he is pretty rude, unless he is talking to the queen; then, he acts like a total suckup.
Best: Quirky Creatures Of Wonderland
Wonderland is the magical place where things are backwards and upside down and, in general, curious. There are rose bushes and tea parties and castles and enchanted forests, and all of these settings are filled with quirky creatures.
Bread-and-Butterflies, Rocking-Horse-Flies, Snap-Dragonflies, flamingos, and hedgehogs during croquet… Every fan has dreamed of seeing this in real life!
Worst: Flowers of Wonderland
There are some fantastical characters with human-like characteristics that are not great, though. Yes, the Flowers of Wonderland belong on the worst side of this list, too.
They treat Alice like she has a disease, like she is going to destroy them and like she is the grossest thing they have ever encountered… Poor Alice.