Men at Arms – Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Men at Arms”, the Ankh-Morpork City Watch faces significant changes and challenges. Captain Samuel Vimes is set to retire and marry the wealthy Lady Sybil Ramkin, while the Watch is forced to diversify its ranks with new recruits: Cuddy (a dwarf), Detritus (a troll), and Angua (a werewolf, though this is initially unknown to her colleagues). As these new members struggle to integrate, a series of mysterious murders rock the city, connected to the theft of the “gonne” – the Discworld’s first and only firearm.
The plot revolves around Edward d’Eath, a young assassin who discovers that Corporal Carrot Ironfoundersson is the rightful heir to Ankh-Morpork’s throne. Obsessed with restoring the monarchy, d’Eath steals the gonne and begins a killing spree. However, when he reveals his plan to Dr Cruces, the head of the Assassins’ Guild, Cruces kills d’Eath and takes over the scheme himself.
Despite being ordered not to investigate by Lord Vetinari, Vimes and his team delve into the case. The investigation leads to tension between the city’s dwarf and troll communities, forcing Cuddy and Detritus to overcome their racial prejudices and work together. Meanwhile, Angua and Carrot develop a romantic relationship, complicated by the revelation of Angua’s lycanthropy.
The climax sees the Watch preventing an assassination attempt on Lord Vetinari. In the ensuing confrontation, Vimes and Carrot face off against Dr Cruces. Carrot, immune to the gonne’s seductive power, kills Cruces and chooses to bury the evidence of his royal heritage along with the dismantled weapon.
The novel concludes with Vimes and Sybil’s wedding, and a reformed City Watch. Carrot, rather than claiming the throne, presents Vetinari with a plan to modernise and expand the Watch. Vetinari agrees, promoting Carrot to Captain and Vimes to the newly-created position of Commander.
Key Themes:
- Social change and diversity
- The corrupting nature of power
- Overcoming prejudice and racial tensions
- The choice between duty and personal ambition
- The dangers of technological advancement (represented by the gonne)
Character Details
Samuel Vimes
Samuel Vimes is the captain of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, soon to be promoted to Commander. He’s a cynical, street-smart cop with a strong sense of justice and a distrust of the upper classes, despite his impending marriage to the wealthy Lady Sybil Ramkin. Vimes is known for his tenacity in solving crimes and his ability to resist temptation, as shown when he overcomes the gonne’s allure. His leadership skills and dedication to duty make him an essential figure in reforming the Watch and maintaining order in the city.
Carrot Ironfoundersson
Corporal Carrot Ironfoundersson is a human raised by dwarfs, known for his literal-mindedness, impressive physique, and unwavering honesty. He’s revealed to be the rightful heir to Ankh-Morpork’s throne but chooses duty over power. Carrot’s charisma and natural leadership abilities make him popular among both his colleagues and the city’s inhabitants. His relationship with Angua adds depth to his character, showing his ability to overcome prejudice and accept others for who they are.
Angua von Überwald
Lance-constable Angua is a new recruit to the Watch and a werewolf, though this is initially unknown to her colleagues. She struggles with her dual nature and the prejudices associated with being a werewolf. Angua forms a romantic relationship with Carrot, adding complexity to her character as she navigates her personal life and professional duties. Her unique abilities as a werewolf prove invaluable to the Watch’s investigations.
Cuddy
Cuddy is a dwarf recruit in the Watch, initially at odds with his troll colleague Detritus due to long-standing racial tensions. Throughout the novel, Cuddy demonstrates intelligence and adaptability, forming an unlikely friendship with Detritus as they overcome their prejudices. His tragic death in the line of duty serves as a pivotal moment in the story.
Detritus
Detritus is a troll recruit in the Watch, known for his immense strength and initially limited intelligence. As the story progresses, Detritus shows significant personal growth, particularly in his friendship with Cuddy and his improved cognitive abilities in colder temperatures. His character arc demonstrates the theme of overcoming prejudice and the potential for personal development.
Reader Fit
“Men at Arms” would appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Humorous fantasy with satirical elements
- Police procedurals with a fantastical twist
- Stories exploring themes of diversity, prejudice, and social change
- Character-driven narratives with a mix of action and comedy
- Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, particularly those interested in the City Watch subseries
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1993
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: British Fantasy Award nominee for Best Novel (1994)
Related Books
- “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett (the first City Watch novel)
- “Feet of Clay” by Terry Pratchett (the next City Watch novel)
- “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett (another Discworld novel featuring Ankh-Morpork)
