Discworld Characters
The Disc is populated with a cast of characters from all walks of life. Some of them pop up once, others many times. Some are beloved, others reviled. Some are heroes, others villains. Some are friends, others enemies. Some are even both. Characters below are sorted by the number of books they appear in.
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: Guards! Guards!, Moving Pictures, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Truth, The Last Hero, Night Watch, Going Postal, Thud!, Making Money, Unseen Academicals and Raising Steam
Appears in 13 booksView Details
Granny Weatherwax
The most powerful witch on the Discworld, known for her formidable willpower, sharp intellect, and mastery of "headology" (practical psychology). Although stern and intimidating, she's a force for good who believes strongly in personal responsibility.
Appears in: Equal Rites, Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, Carpe Jugulum, A Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith, I Shall Wear Midnight and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 10 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: Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, The Last Hero, Night Watch, Thud! and Snuff
Appears in 9 booksView Details
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: Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Night Watch, Thud!, Snuff and Raising Steam
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: Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Night Watch, Thud! and Snuff
Appears in 8 booksView Details
Rincewind
An inept and cowardly wizard who consistently finds himself at the center of world-changing events despite his best efforts to run away from danger. He has an incredible talent for languages and surviving against all odds.
Appears in: The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery, Faust Eric, Interesting Times, The Last Continent, The Last Hero and Unseen Academicals
Appears in 8 booksView Details
Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully
The long-serving head of Unseen University, a boisterous, outdoorsy wizard who's the complete opposite of the stereotypical academic. His robustness and refusal to listen have made him unusually long-lived in a position traditionally subject to deadly politics.
Appears in: Moving Pictures, Reaper Man, Lords and Ladies, Soul Music, Hogfather, The Last Continent and Unseen Academicals
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Death
The anthropomorphic personification of death on Discworld, who speaks in ALL CAPITALS and has a fondness for cats, curry, and humanity. Despite his intimidating appearance as a skeleton in a black robe, he's generally fair, philosophical, and tries to understand humans.
Appears in: The Light Fantastic, Mort, Sourcery, Reaper Man, Soul Music, Hogfather and Thief of Time
Appears in 7 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: Moving Pictures, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Thud! and Snuff
Appears in 7 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: Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Night Watch and Thud!
Appears in 7 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: Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Thud! and Snuff
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Nanny Ogg
A jovial, earthy, and sociable witch who's the matriarch of the large Ogg clan. Despite her seemingly carefree personality, she's extremely shrewd and nearly as powerful as Granny Weatherwax. Known for her bawdy humor, love of drinking, and inappropriate songs.
Appears in: Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, Carpe Jugulum, Wintersmith and I Shall Wear Midnight
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Ponder Stibbons
A young wizard at Unseen University who serves as the head of Inadvisably Applied Magic and the closest thing the university has to a research scientist. Intelligent and often exasperated, he manages the magical computer Hex and gradually accumulates administrative responsibilities.
Appears in: Moving Pictures, Lords and Ladies, Soul Music, Hogfather, The Last Continent, The Last Hero and Unseen Academicals
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Delphine Angua von Ãœberwald
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: Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, Jingo, The Fifth Elephant, Night Watch and Thud!
Appears in 6 booksView Details
Magrat Garlick
The youngest of the original witches trio, initially portrayed as naive and excessively romantic. She's often the butt of jokes but shows surprising resourcefulness when needed. Eventually marries King Verence II of Lancre and becomes queen.
Appears in: Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Carpe Jugulum and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 5 booksView Details
Rob Anybody
The chieftain of the Nac Mac Feegle clan that adopts Tiffany Aching. A fierce, tiny blue warrior with a penchant for fighting, drinking, and stealing, he leads the chaotic but loyal Feegles who become Tiffany's unlikely allies and protectors.
Appears in: The Wee Free Men, A Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith, I Shall Wear Midnight and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 5 booksView Details
The Librarian
A wizard transformed into an orangutan who decided he preferred his new form. He serves as the librarian of Unseen University's magical library and communicates almost exclusively through the word "Ook." Despite this limitation, he's highly intelligent and fiercely protective of books.
Appears in: Guards! Guards!, Moving Pictures, Soul Music, The Last Continent and Unseen Academicals
Appears in 5 booksView Details
Tiffany Aching
A young witch from the chalk country who first displays her abilities as a child. Practical, intelligent, and possessing First Sight and Second Thoughts, she develops into a powerful witch under Granny Weatherwax's guidance. Her adventures form the core of the young adult Discworld novels.
Appears in: The Wee Free Men, A Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith, I Shall Wear Midnight and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 5 booksView Details
Gaspode
A small, scruffy, intelligent talking dog who's often reluctantly pulled into adventurous situations. He's cynical, sarcastic, and suffers from numerous canine ailments, but proves surprisingly resourceful. Most humans don't realize he can talk, as they rationalize his speech as their own thoughts.
Appears in: Moving Pictures, Men at Arms, Soul Music and The Fifth Elephant
Appears in 4 booksView Details
Greebo
Nanny Ogg's battle-scarred tomcat with a reputation for extreme ferocity. He appears fearless, one-eyed, and is occasionally transformed into human form, revealing an equally aggressive, swaggering, and oddly attractive man who still maintains feline behaviors.
Appears in: Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies and Maskerade
Appears in 4 booksView Details
The Luggage
A sentient trunk made of sapient pearwood that follows its owner anywhere, even across dimensions. Fiercely loyal and protective, it has hundreds of little legs, can move fast, and contains more space inside than physically possible. Known to eat those who threaten its master.
Appears in: The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery and Faust Eric
Appears in 4 booksView Details
Adora Belle Dearheart
A stern, no-nonsense woman who becomes Moist von Lipwig's love interest. She works for the golem trust and is known for her sharp wit, chain smoking, and fierce loyalty to those she cares about. Her acidic exterior hides a compassionate nature, particularly toward golems.
Appears in: Going Postal, Making Money and Raising Steam
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Agnes Nitt
A young witch with an extraordinary singing voice and a split personality (her alter ego is called Perdita). She struggles with self-image issues but grows into a capable witch in her own right. Initially drawn to the glamor of the Ankh-Morpork Opera, she ultimately embraces her witching responsibilities.
Appears in: Lords and Ladies, Maskerade and Carpe Jugulum
Appears in 3 booksView Details
CMOT Dibbler
An enterprising but perpetually unsuccessful street vendor in Ankh-Morpork, famous for selling questionable sausages "inna bun." A shameless opportunist who constantly seeks get-rich-quick schemes, he embodies the entrepreneurial spirit at its most desperate.
Appears in: Moving Pictures, Soul Music and Interesting Times
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Cohen the Barbarian
The most famous hero on the Disc, an elderly barbarian warrior with impressive fighting skills despite his advanced age. Missing most of his teeth and suffering from various ailments, he nevertheless remains a fearsome fighter and later leads the Silver Horde.
Appears in: The Light Fantastic, Interesting Times and The Last Hero
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Leonard of Quirm
Discworld's equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci, a brilliant inventor and artist kept in comfortable captivity by Lord Vetinari. He creates revolutionary devices without considering their practical (often weapon-related) applications and gives them deceptively mundane names.
Appears in: Men at Arms, Jingo and The Last Hero
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Moist von Lipwig
A former con artist given a second chance by Lord Vetinari to serve Ankh-Morpork by revitalizing essential public services. Charismatic, quick-thinking, and adept at managing both systems and people, he transforms from a selfish criminal to a civic leader who genuinely cares about the city.
Appears in: Going Postal, Making Money and Raising Steam
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Nac Mac Feegle
The Nac Mac Feegle, also known as the Wee Free Men, are a clan of tiny, blue-skinned, kilt-wearing pictsies known for their fierce warrior spirit, love of drinking, and penchant for thievery. They play a crucial role in assisting young witches like Tiffany Aching, often serving as her protectors and allies in her adventures. Their significance in the Discworld universe lies in their unique blend of humor, bravery, and loyalty, often providing comic relief while also demonstrating profound wisdom and courage.
Appears in: A Hat Full of Sky, I Shall Wear Midnight and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Susan Sto Helit
Death's granddaughter who inherited some of his abilities, such as walking through walls and stopping time. Practical, logical, and no-nonsense, she reluctantly steps in when supernatural duties call, despite preferring a normal life as a governess or teacher.
Appears in: Soul Music, Hogfather and Thief of Time
Appears in 3 booksView Details
Twoflower
Discworld's first tourist, an insurance clerk from the mysterious Counterweight Continent. His naivety, optimistic outlook, and complete lack of common sense frequently get him into dangerous situations that Rincewind reluctantly rescues him from.
Appears in: The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic and Interesting Times
Appears in 3 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: Feet of Clay and Thud!
Appears in 2 booksView Details
King Verence
King Verence II of Lancre is a progressive and well-meaning ruler, striving to modernize his small kingdom with ideas often ahead of his time. He is characterized by his earnestness, a touch of naivety, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of his subjects, often leading to humorous situations. His significance in the Discworld universe lies in his role as a bridge between traditional and modern ways, often clashing with the more magical and rustic elements of Lancre.
Appears in: Carpe Jugulum and The Shepherd's Crown
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Lu-Tze
An unassuming sweeper at the Monastery of Oi Dong who is actually one of the most powerful History Monks. He follows "The Way of Mrs. Cosmopilite" and is known for his wisdom and exceptional martial arts abilities despite his humble appearance and demeanor.
Appears in: Small Gods and Thief of Time
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Reg Shoe
Reg Shoe is a fervent advocate for the rights of the undead, passionately leading the Fresh Start Club in Ankh-Morpork. As a zombie, he is both a literal and metaphorical embodiment of the struggle for acceptance and equality in a city teeming with diverse beings. His dedication to social justice and his unyielding spirit make him a significant figure in the Discworld's exploration of life, death, and everything in between.
Appears in: Reaper Man and Night Watch
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Roland
Roland is the heir to the Barony of the Chalk, a young man who finds himself entangled in the magical and often perilous world of witches. Initially portrayed as somewhat naive and sheltered, Roland grows into a more mature and understanding character, especially through his interactions with Tiffany Aching. His significance lies in his evolving relationship with Tiffany, which highlights themes of growth, responsibility, and the bridging of different worlds.
Appears in: Wintersmith and I Shall Wear Midnight
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Albert
Albert, whose full name is Alberto Malich, is the cantankerous and irascible servant of Death, having once been the most powerful wizard on the Disc. He is known for his grumpy demeanor, deep loyalty to Death, and his past as the founder of Unseen University. Albert's significance lies in his unique position as a bridge between the world of the living and the supernatural, providing a humorous yet poignant perspective on mortality.
Appears in: Mort
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Annagramma
Annagramma Hawkin is a young witch who initially appears as a somewhat arrogant and self-assured apprentice in the Discworld series, particularly in "Wintersmith." She is known for her overconfidence and tendency to rely on flashy magic rather than practical skills, which often leads to humorous situations. Over time, Annagramma learns the importance of humility and the value of traditional witchcraft, becoming a more balanced and competent witch.
Appears in: Wintersmith
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Archchancellor Cutangle
Archchancellor Cutangle is the head of Unseen University during the events of 'Equal Rites,' known for his traditionalist views and initial skepticism towards the idea of a female wizard. Despite his conservative stance, he is a powerful wizard and a key figure in the magical community of Ankh-Morpork, representing the old guard of wizardry. His interactions with Eskarina Smith challenge his beliefs, ultimately leading to a more open-minded perspective on magic and gender roles.
Appears in: Equal Rites
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Archchancellors Hat
The Archchancellor's Hat is not just a piece of headwear but a symbol of authority and power within the Unseen University, the premier institution of wizardry on the Discworld. It possesses a personality of its own, imbued with the wisdom and eccentricities of past Archchancellors, and plays a pivotal role in the events of 'Sourcery' as it seeks to guide and influence the wizards in times of crisis.
Appears in: Sourcery
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Auditors Of Reality
The Auditors of Reality are enigmatic, bureaucratic entities that embody the cold, impersonal laws of the universe. They are obsessed with order and detest the chaos and unpredictability of life, particularly human life. In 'Hogfather,' they play a significant role by attempting to eliminate the Hogfather, thereby disrupting the fabric of belief that sustains the Discworld.
Appears in: Hogfather
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Bilious
Bilious, known as the "Oh God of Hangovers," is a minor deity in the Discworld universe, embodying the personification of hangovers. His role is both humorous and pitiable, as he suffers the consequences of overindulgence without ever experiencing the pleasures of drinking. In "Hogfather," he becomes an unlikely ally to Susan Sto Helit, showcasing a blend of self-pity, reluctant bravery, and a surprising depth of character.
Appears in: Hogfather
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Boy Willie
Boy Willie is a member of the Silver Horde, a group of elderly yet formidable barbarian heroes in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Known for his youthful spirit despite his age, Boy Willie embodies the adventurous and reckless nature of a true barbarian hero. His role in 'The Last Hero' highlights the theme of aging warriors seeking one last grand adventure, adding depth and humor to the narrative.
Appears in: The Last Hero
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Brutha
Brutha is a simple, earnest novice in the Omnian church who becomes the chosen prophet of the Great God Om. His unwavering faith and literal-mindedness make him an unlikely hero, yet his journey from a humble novice to a pivotal religious figure challenges the dogma of his world. Brutha's significance lies in his ability to inspire change and question authority, embodying the power of belief and the importance of questioning established norms.
Appears in: Small Gods
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Caleb
Caleb, a character in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, particularly in 'The Last Hero,' is a member of the Silver Horde, a group of aging yet legendary barbarian heroes. Known for his grizzled wisdom and experience, Caleb embodies the spirit of adventure and the refusal to succumb to the ravages of time. His role in the story highlights the themes of heroism, aging, and the enduring nature of legends in the Discworld universe.
Appears in: The Last Hero
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Carcer Dun
Carcer Dun is a cunning and ruthless criminal, known for his manipulative nature and complete lack of conscience. He serves as the primary antagonist in "Night Watch," where his actions set off a chain of events that lead to a time-traveling adventure for Sam Vimes. Carcer's significance lies in his embodiment of chaos and lawlessness, challenging the very fabric of order that Vimes strives to uphold.
Appears in: Night Watch
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Carding
Carding is a wizard at the Unseen University, known for his ambition and willingness to align with powerful figures to advance his own status. In 'Sourcery,' he becomes one of the key players in the power struggle that ensues when a sourcerer arrives, threatening the very fabric of magic on the Disc. His significance lies in his representation of the internal politics and rivalries within the wizarding community, often highlighting the absurdity and danger of unchecked ambition.
Appears in: Sourcery
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Casanunda
Casanunda, the world's second greatest lover, is a bold and audacious dwarf who defies traditional dwarfish norms by embracing romance and adventure. Known for his flirtatious nature and unyielding confidence, he plays a significant role in 'Lords and Ladies' by assisting Granny Weatherwax and the Lancre witches in their battle against the Elves. His charm and wit make him a memorable character, adding humor and depth to the Discworld universe.
Appears in: Lords and Ladies
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: Snuff
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Christine
Christine is a young, naive, and somewhat air-headed opera singer with a voice that is technically perfect but lacks soul. In 'Maskerade,' she becomes the unwitting center of a series of mysterious events at the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, where her role as a rising star is both a blessing and a curse. Her significance lies in her contrast to the more grounded and pragmatic characters, highlighting the absurdities of the opera world and the superficial nature of fame.
Appears in: Maskerade
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Cliff
Cliff is a troll and a member of the Band with Rocks In, a group that plays Music with Rocks In, a magical and transformative form of music in the Discworld universe. Known for his laid-back demeanor and love for music, Cliff plays the drums with a natural rhythm that belies his rocky exterior. His role in the band highlights the cultural diversity and unexpected talents found within the Discworld's varied inhabitants.
Appears in: Soul Music
Appears in 1 bookView Details