Feet of Clay - Discworld Book 19

Synopsis

Vimes investigates an assassination attempt on Lord Vetinari involving golems, the city's clay workers. The mystery reveals deep societal tensions in the city's hierarchy.

Book Overview

In Feet of Clay, the Ankh-Morpork City Watch returns to investigate a deeply troubling and mysterious series of crimes—attempted poisonings targeting the city’s ruler, Lord Vetinari, and bizarre murders involving golems, silent clay creatures traditionally used as tireless workers. Captain Samuel Vimes, ever the pragmatic and relentless investigator, finds himself navigating a complicated conspiracy involving political machinations, labor rights, and the moral status of artificial beings.

At the center of the mystery are the golems themselves, creatures of clay animated by words inscribed within their heads. Traditionally seen merely as tools, the golems' increasing awareness sparks debates about free will, sentience, and ethical treatment. Pratchett uses this narrative to delve into profound ethical and philosophical questions: what constitutes life and personhood, and at what point does a created being deserve rights and autonomy?

Thematically rich, Feet of Clay explores prejudice, personhood, class struggle, and institutional injustice. The novel highlights the injustice and hypocrisy inherent in exploiting sentient beings, metaphorically examining real-world issues surrounding labor exploitation and civil rights. Vimes’s investigation becomes not only a quest to solve the crimes but also an ethical battle over recognizing the humanity in entities traditionally marginalized and ignored.

This novel deepens the ongoing character development of the Watch, especially Vimes, whose own deep-rooted sense of justice contrasts sharply with the cynicism and corruption around him. It further explores the dynamics among the Watch’s increasingly diverse membership, reinforcing themes of integration, tolerance, and cooperation established in earlier novels like Men at Arms. By expanding upon these characters and themes, Feet of Clay sets the stage for future City Watch stories, continuing Pratchett’s nuanced exploration of justice, morality, and societal change.

Principal Characters

Sam Vimes
The Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch who rises from a drunk night watchman to a respected leader and eventually Duke of Ankh. Known for his intense hatred of injustice, deep cynicism, and the "Vimes boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness."
Appears in 9 booksView Details
Carrot Ironfoundersson
A human raised by dwarfs who becomes a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Exceptionally strong, honest, and charismatic, he's implied to be the rightful heir to Ankh-Morpork's throne but chooses to serve as a watchman. He takes everything literally and knows everyone in the city by name.
Appears in 9 booksView Details
Delphine Angua von Überwald
A member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch who happens to be a werewolf. Intelligent, practical, and struggling with the dual nature of her existence, she forms a relationship with Captain Carrot and serves as one of the Watch's most effective investigators.
Appears in 6 booksView Details
Cheery Littlebottom
Cheery Littlebottom is a pioneering dwarf in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, known for her courage in challenging traditional gender roles within dwarf society. As one of the first openly female dwarfs, she plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and acceptance, while also being a skilled forensic alchemist. Her character adds depth to the exploration of identity and societal norms in the Discworld universe.
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Dorfl
Dorfl is a golem who becomes a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, representing a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern consciousness. Initially a mindless automaton, Dorfl gains sentience and free will, embodying themes of identity, freedom, and morality in the Discworld universe. His journey from a mere clay figure to a self-aware being challenges societal norms and highlights the potential for change and growth in even the most unlikely of characters.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Lord Havelock Vetinari
The Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, a brilliantly intelligent and manipulative ruler who maintains order through carefully balanced political machinations. A former assassin, he governs with calculating precision and an understanding that what people really want is stability rather than freedom.
Appears in 13 booksView Details
Detritus
A troll who joins the Ankh-Morpork City Watch after previous careers as a bouncer and splatter. Initially not very bright (even by troll standards), his intellect improves dramatically in colder temperatures. He becomes a sergeant specializing in troll affairs and weapon training.
Appears in 7 booksView Details

Auxiliary Characters

Nobby Nobbs
A member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch so unidentifiably human he carries a certificate to prove his species. A petty thief and coward with questionable hygiene, he nonetheless shows occasional moments of surprising insight and loyalty to his fellow watchmen.
Appears in 8 booksView Details
Fred Colon
A long-serving, overweight sergeant in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Conservative, not particularly bright, but well-meaning, he forms a comedic duo with Nobby Nobbs and is fiercely loyal to Commander Vimes despite his tendency to avoid actual policing whenever possible.
Appears in 7 booksView Details