Making Money – Summary
In “Making Money”, Terry Pratchett’s satirical fantasy novel set in the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork, we follow the adventures of Moist von Lipwig, a former conman turned civil servant. After successfully revitalising the city’s postal service, Moist finds himself thrust into a new challenge: reforming the Royal Bank of Ankh-Morpork and the Royal Mint.
The story begins with Moist feeling restless in his role as Postmaster General. Lord Vetinari, the city’s cunning Patrician, recognises Moist’s potential and offers him the position of Master of the Royal Mint. Initially reluctant, Moist is forced to accept when he inherits the bank’s majority shareholder – a small dog named Mr Fusspot – along with a contract from the Assassins’ Guild ensuring his compliance.
Moist’s new role plunges him into a world of financial intrigue and family politics. The bank is controlled by the wealthy Lavish family, who are less than pleased with the newcomer. Moist must navigate their schemes while also dealing with the eccentric bank staff, including the strait-laced chief cashier, Mr Bent, who harbours a secret past as a clown.
As Moist delves deeper into the bank’s operations, he uncovers numerous challenges. The Royal Mint is operating at a loss, producing coins that cost more to make than their face value. Meanwhile, the public has begun using postage stamps as a de facto currency. Moist, ever the innovator, proposes a radical solution: the introduction of paper money.
This revolutionary idea sets off a chain of events that shakes the foundations of Ankh-Morpork’s economy. Moist must convince a skeptical public to trust in the value of paper, outmanoeuvre the Lavish family’s attempts to undermine him, and deal with the unexpected arrival of a figure from his past.
The plot thickens when thousands of ancient golems march into the city, halting at its gates. These powerful clay beings, unearthed by Moist’s fiancée Adora Belle Dearheart, become a pivotal element in Moist’s plans to back the new currency.
As the story reaches its climax, Moist finds himself in a courtroom, accused of embezzling gold from the bank. In a dramatic turn of events, he must use all his wit and charm to not only clear his name but also to unveil the Lavish family’s misdeeds and secure the future of his financial reforms.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett weaves his trademark humour and social commentary into the narrative, offering insightful critiques of banking, economics, and human nature. The book explores themes of trust, value, and the power of belief in shaping economic realities.
Key Themes:
- The nature of money and value
- Innovation versus tradition in financial systems
- The power of charisma and persuasion
- Corruption and integrity in positions of power
- The impact of technological change on society
Character Details
Moist von Lipwig
Moist von Lipwig is the charismatic and quick-witted protagonist of “Making Money.” A former conman turned civil servant, Moist brings his unique blend of charm, ingenuity, and borderline criminal creativity to his role as the reluctant head of Ankh-Morpork’s Royal Mint. His past as a swindler gives him a unique perspective on the world of finance, allowing him to see opportunities and solutions where others see only problems. Moist’s character is defined by his restless nature, his ability to think on his feet, and his talent for persuading others to believe in seemingly impossible ideas. Throughout the novel, he grapples with the challenge of using his skills for the greater good while resisting the temptation to fall back into his old, dishonest ways.
Lord Vetinari
Lord Vetinari is the enigmatic and brilliantly calculating Patrician of Ankh-Morpork. A master of political manipulation, Vetinari sees potential in Moist that others might overlook. He orchestrates Moist’s appointment to the Royal Mint, recognising that sometimes it takes a reformed criminal to bring about necessary changes in a rigid system. Vetinari’s character is marked by his dry wit, his ability to always be several steps ahead of everyone else, and his pragmatic approach to governing the city. He serves as both a mentor and a constant source of pressure for Moist, pushing him to achieve what seems impossible.
Adora Belle Dearheart
Adora Belle Dearheart is Moist’s fiancée and a formidable character in her own right. As the manager of the Golem Trust, she brings a unique perspective to the story, particularly when it comes to the ancient golems that play a crucial role in the plot. Adora Belle is known for her sharp intellect, her no-nonsense attitude, and her fierce loyalty to those she cares about. Her relationship with Moist adds depth to his character, providing both support and a moral compass as he navigates the treacherous waters of Ankh-Morpork’s financial world.
Mr Bent
Mr Mavolio Bent is the Chief Cashier of the Royal Bank of Ankh-Morpork. Initially presented as a stern, by-the-book banker, Mr Bent’s character undergoes significant development throughout the novel. His secret past as a clown named Charlie Benito adds an unexpected layer of complexity to his personality. Mr Bent’s journey from a rigid adherent of traditional banking practices to someone who can adapt to new ideas mirrors the larger themes of the book. His struggle between his public persona and his hidden identity creates both tension and humour in the story.
Cosmo Lavish
Cosmo Lavish is a member of the wealthy Lavish family and a key antagonist in the novel. Obsessed with emulating Lord Vetinari, Cosmo’s attempts to take control of the bank and thwart Moist’s plans drive much of the conflict in the story. His character is marked by his delusions of grandeur, his scheming nature, and his increasingly unhinged behaviour as the plot progresses. Cosmo represents the old guard of Ankh-Morpork’s financial elite, resistant to change and fiercely protective of their power and privilege.
Reader Fit
“Making Money” would appeal to a wide range of readers. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will find the familiar blend of fantasy, humour and social commentary that characterises his work. The book is particularly suited to those interested in economics, finance, or political satire, as it offers a witty and insightful exploration of these themes.
Readers who enjoy clever wordplay, complex characters and plots that blend the fantastical with real-world issues will find much to appreciate. The novel’s examination of the nature of money and value could also appeal to those interested in philosophy or sociology.
While it’s part of the Discworld series, “Making Money” can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, making it accessible to newcomers to Pratchett’s work. However, those familiar with the series will appreciate the recurring characters and in-jokes.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Comedy
- Publication Year: 2007
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (2008)
Related Books
- “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett (the preceding book featuring Moist von Lipwig)
- “Small Gods” by Terry Pratchett (another Discworld novel with similar themes of belief and social commentary)
- “The Truth” by Terry Pratchett (a Discworld novel exploring themes of media and truth in society)
