Snuff - Discworld Book 39

Synopsis

Vimes investigates crimes against goblins in the countryside, confronting entrenched prejudice and fighting for justice.

Book Overview

In Snuff, Terry Pratchett returns once more to Commander Samuel Vimes, whose planned vacation in the tranquil countryside quickly becomes an investigation into dark, hidden crimes. Vimes uncovers systemic abuses against goblins, creatures historically marginalized and exploited by mainstream society. His pursuit of justice reveals deep-seated prejudice, violence, and corruption, challenging him to confront societal biases and fight for the rights of those society refuses even to acknowledge.

Vimes’s relentless determination for justice drives him into direct conflict with powerful local figures who profit from exploitation and prejudice. His moral integrity, shaped by his experiences in the Watch and his own complex sense of justice, forces him to advocate fiercely for those lacking any voice or societal power. Vimes’s investigation becomes deeply personal, reflecting his ongoing struggle with morality, power, and responsibility, particularly as it impacts his family and personal beliefs.

Thematically, Snuff powerfully addresses systemic prejudice, colonial attitudes, and the fight for dignity and civil rights. Goblins symbolize historically oppressed and dehumanized groups, highlighting societal tendencies to marginalize those deemed different or inferior. Pratchett emphasizes empathy, justice, and moral courage as essential responses to societal prejudice and injustice, critiquing societal complicity in oppression and exploitation.

As a key entry in the City Watch sub-series, Snuff further enriches Vimes’s complex characterization, demonstrating his moral evolution and deepening his struggle with ethics, prejudice, and civic responsibility. The novel’s exploration of social justice and morality strongly connects to broader Discworld themes found in earlier novels like Feet of Clay, Men at Arms, and Thud!, making it a profound reflection on humanity’s ongoing struggle with justice, equality, and empathy.

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
Lady Sybil Ramkin
A wealthy aristocrat who breeds swamp dragons and later marries Sam Vimes. Large, good-natured, and considerably more politically savvy than her husband, she provides both emotional support and practical assistance while maintaining her own interests and independence.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Willikins
Willikins is the quintessential gentleman's gentleman, serving as the butler to Sam Vimes, Duke of Ankh, with unwavering loyalty and a surprising array of skills. Beneath his impeccable manners and polished exterior lies a man of unexpected toughness, capable of handling himself in the roughest of situations, a testament to his upbringing in the streets of Ankh-Morpork. His significance in the Discworld universe is highlighted by his ability to seamlessly transition from serving tea to engaging in hand-to-hand combat, embodying the duality of civility and survival.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Chief Constable Feeney Upshot
Chief Constable Feeney Upshot is a young and earnest lawman in the Shires, embodying the spirit of rural policing with a touch of naivety and a strong sense of duty. He is significant in 'Snuff' as he represents the local law enforcement and becomes an ally to Sam Vimes, learning from him and growing into a more competent officer. Feeney's character highlights the contrast between city and country policing, and his development underscores themes of justice and personal growth.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Stratford
Stratford is a cunning and ruthless character, known for his role as a dangerous and skilled assassin in the Discworld universe. He is a principal antagonist in "Snuff," where his actions and motivations drive much of the conflict. Stratford's significance lies in his embodiment of the darker, more violent elements of society, challenging the moral and ethical boundaries of the protagonists.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Tears Of The Mushroom
Tears of the Mushroom is a goblin character who plays a significant role in the novel "Snuff." She embodies the resilience and dignity of the goblin race, often marginalized and misunderstood in the Discworld universe. Her character highlights themes of social justice and the importance of recognizing the humanity in all creatures, no matter how different they may seem.
Appears in 1 bookView Details

Auxiliary Characters

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
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
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
Harry King
Harry King, often referred to as the "King of the Golden River," is a shrewd and enterprising businessman who has built a waste management empire in Ankh-Morpork. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and sharp business acumen, Harry has a knack for turning rubbish into riches, embodying the Discworld's theme of finding value in the overlooked. His significance lies in his role as a self-made man who represents the industrious spirit of Ankh-Morpork, often providing a humorous yet insightful commentary on the nature of wealth and success.
Appears in 1 bookView 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