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The Truth - Discworld Book 25
Synopsis
Discworld gets its first newspaper, The Ankh-Morpork Times, founded by William de Worde. Journalism clashes humorously and seriously with politics, murder, and conspiracy.
Book Overview
In The Truth, Discworld embraces modern journalism with the creation of Ankh-Morpork’s first newspaper, The Ankh-Morpork Times, founded by the ambitious and idealistic William de Worde. De Worde’s relentless pursuit of truth quickly draws him into a tangled conspiracy involving political intrigue, murder, and institutional corruption, challenging him to navigate ethical dilemmas and the dangerous intersection of media, politics, and power.
The arrival of journalism disrupts Ankh-Morpork’s established power structures, forcing the city’s institutions and citizens alike to grapple with the consequences of transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny. Pratchett satirically yet seriously examines the ethical responsibilities of journalism, exploring how easily truth can be manipulated, distorted, or weaponized. The novel’s central mystery involving attempted assassination and political sabotage underscores journalism’s potential as both a weapon and shield in the struggle for justice and public awareness.
Thematically, The Truth delves into the complexities of truth itself, questioning objectivity, narrative manipulation, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Through William de Worde’s struggles, Pratchett critiques sensationalism, propaganda, and misinformation, emphasizing journalistic integrity, ethical accountability, and the responsibility inherent in shaping societal narratives.
As a largely standalone novel, The Truth introduces new characters who will appear as minor recurring figures in future stories. It contributes significantly to Discworld’s ongoing exploration of industrialization, media influence, and social change, complementing themes developed further in later novels such as Going Postal and Making Money, highlighting Pratchett’s ongoing interest in how technological and cultural progress reshapes society.
Principal Characters
William de Worde
The founder and editor of Ankh-Morpork's first newspaper, The Ankh-Morpork Times. An estranged son of nobility with a strong sense of truth and justice, he pioneers modern journalism on the Disc, struggling with questions of ethics, responsibility, and the power of the written word.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Sacharissa Cripslock
Sacharissa Cripslock is a determined and ambitious journalist working for the Ankh-Morpork Times, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the newspaper's success. Known for her sharp wit, intelligence, and tenacity, she is not afraid to pursue the truth, even in the face of danger. Her significance in the Discworld universe lies in her ability to challenge societal norms and bring about change through the power of the press.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Otto Chriek
Otto Chriek is a reformed vampire and a dedicated iconographer for the Ankh-Morpork Times, known for his enthusiasm for photography and his struggle with his vampiric nature. Despite his undead status, Otto is committed to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of truth, often risking his own safety to capture the perfect picture. His character adds a unique blend of humor and depth to the Discworld universe, highlighting themes of redemption and the challenges of overcoming one's nature.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Mr Pin
Mr. Pin is one half of the infamous New Firm, a duo of ruthless enforcers in Ankh-Morpork, known for their brutal efficiency and lack of scruples. He is the more articulate and seemingly sophisticated of the pair, often taking the lead in their operations. His significance in 'The Truth' lies in his role as an antagonist, representing the darker, more violent side of the city's underworld, and his interactions with other characters highlight the moral complexities of the Discworld universe.
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Mr Tulip
Mr. Tulip is a notorious criminal and one half of the infamous duo known as the New Firm, alongside Mr. Pin. In 'The Truth,' he serves as a ruthless enforcer, driven by a violent temper and a peculiar obsession with various substances, often referred to as "-ing". Despite his brutish nature, Mr. Tulip's character adds a darkly comedic element to the story, highlighting the absurdity of villainy in the Discworld universe.
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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
Auxiliary Characters
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.
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