Willy Wonka is a fictional character created by author Roald Dahl in his children's book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," published in 1964. He is the eccentric owner of a magical chocolate factory, known for his whimsical inventions and unique candy creations. Wonka is characterized by his colorful personality, playful demeanor, and a penchant for the extraordinary. In the story, Willy Wonka invites five lucky children to tour his factory after hiding golden tickets in chocolate bars. The narrative explores themes of greed, morality, and the importance of family, as the children face various challenges during the tour. The character has been portrayed in several film adaptations, most notably by Gene Wilder in 1971 and Johnny Depp in 2005.