Monstrous Regiment - Discworld Book 31

Synopsis

A girl disguises herself as a soldier to find her brother, revealing secrets that threaten her nation's oppressive regime. War, identity, and absurdity collide powerfully.

Book Overview

In Monstrous Regiment, Terry Pratchett tackles themes of war, gender roles, identity, and nationalism with humor and insight. The narrative follows Polly Perks, a young woman from the war-torn nation of Borogravia, who disguises herself as a young man and joins the army to find her missing brother. Polly soon discovers she isn't the only recruit keeping secrets; nearly everyone in her regiment has something to hide. As their unit embarks on a perilous journey into enemy territory, Polly and her comrades gradually confront truths about war, patriotism, and the fluid nature of identity.

The novel cleverly satirizes militarism, propaganda, and blind nationalism, highlighting how easily societies can be manipulated into war through patriotism, prejudice, and misinformation. Polly's transformation into a soldier—and her fellow soldiers' personal revelations—forces each to reconsider their understanding of gender, courage, and duty. The idea of "monstrous regiments," drawn from historical critiques of women in combat, is brilliantly inverted as the novel champions individual dignity and personal authenticity over rigid, oppressive social conventions.

Throughout the story, Pratchett emphasizes camaraderie, loyalty, and empathy as powerful counters to war’s destructive absurdity. Polly's experiences highlight the arbitrary nature of gender stereotypes, illustrating how societal expectations limit individual potential. The regiment's collective secret becomes a powerful symbol of resistance to oppressive social norms and authoritarian regimes.

Although primarily a standalone narrative, Monstrous Regiment enriches the Discworld canon by echoing broader themes of social justice, identity, and equality found in other novels, especially those involving the Ankh-Morpork City Watch and the Witches series. Its thematic depth, combined with humor and humanity, positions the novel as one of Pratchett’s most insightful and socially conscious works.

Principal Characters

Polly Perks
Polly Perks is a determined and resourceful young woman who disguises herself as a man to join the Borogravian army in search of her missing brother. Her courage and quick wit make her a natural leader, and she becomes a symbol of resilience and change in a male-dominated world. Polly's journey challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the absurdities of war, embodying Pratchett's satirical take on societal norms.
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Maladict
Maladict is a vampire with a twist, serving as a soldier in the Monstrous Regiment. Known for his dry wit and addiction to coffee, Maladict provides a unique perspective on the absurdities of war and the nature of addiction. His role in the regiment is pivotal, as he balances his vampiric instincts with a desire to fit in and contribute to the group's success.
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Sergeant Jackrum
Sergeant Jackrum is a legendary figure in the Borogravian army, known for his cunning, experience, and ability to survive against all odds. He serves as a mentor and protector to the young recruits in "Monstrous Regiment," guiding them with a mix of gruffness and unexpected wisdom. Jackrum's significance lies in his embodiment of the old soldier archetype, revealing the complexities of identity and loyalty in a war-torn world.
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Lieutenant Blouse
Lieutenant Blouse is an earnest and somewhat naive officer in the Borogravian army, known for his bookish nature and lack of practical military experience. Despite his initial awkwardness, he demonstrates a surprising resilience and adaptability, becoming a key figure in the events of "Monstrous Regiment." His character highlights the absurdities of war and the unexpected potential within seemingly unremarkable individuals.
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Lofty
Lofty is a member of the Monstrous Regiment, a ragtag group of soldiers in the Borogravian army, known for her quiet demeanor and unexpected bravery. She is significant for her role in challenging gender norms and contributing to the theme of identity and self-discovery in the Discworld universe. Lofty's character adds depth to the narrative by highlighting the complexities of war and the diverse backgrounds of those who fight in it.
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Tanya Tonker
Tanya Tonker is a fierce and determined member of the Monstrous Regiment, a group of women disguised as men to fight in the Borogravian army. Her role is pivotal as she embodies the spirit of rebellion and the fight for gender equality in a male-dominated society. Tanya's significance lies in her courage and leadership, inspiring others to challenge societal norms and fight for their rights.
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Wazzer
Wazzer, whose full name is Alice Band, is a devout and fervently religious young woman who serves as a soldier in the Borogravian army. Her unwavering faith in the Duchess, the nation's deity, and her quiet, unassuming demeanor conceal a core of steel and determination. Wazzer's role in "Monstrous Regiment" is pivotal as she becomes a symbol of hope and divine intervention, ultimately leading her comrades with a sense of purpose and spiritual strength.
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