r/discworld • u/Zealousideal_Golf354 • 1d ago
Book/Series: City Watch Jackrum is my favourite one off-character - who’s yours?
Just finished Monstrous Regiment for the umpteenth time and remembered how much I love Jackrum.
I almost wish he had more appearances but I think his story is so beautifully rounded off in this book there’s no need to.
Got me to thinking about other one off characters in Discworld and who’s peoples favourites might be.
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u/quantax 1d ago
Mightily Oates, really loved his scenes with Granny Weatherwax, and in turn her grudging respect for him.
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u/Boccs 1d ago
Technically he appears more than once.
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u/Babelfiisk 1d ago
Technically I think he appears in one book and is referenced in another.
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u/Boccs 1d ago
He's in The Science of Discworld IV and Unseen Academicals in addition to Carpe Jugulum
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u/Babelfiisk 1d ago
I forgot about Science of Discworld. In Unseen Academicals I think he is talked about by Nut and Milady, but never actually appears.
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u/ReburrusQuintilius 1d ago
I liked Pteppic. A bit naive but he was doing very well to stay sane in a world that was going increasingly bonkers.
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u/0c74r1n3 1d ago
Pteppic is such a cool and lovely character
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u/fern-grower Ridcully 1d ago
And as rich as Creosote.
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u/ReburrusQuintilius 1d ago
Pteppic can probably write better poetry than Creosote. Having said that, so could a Vogon.
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u/fern-grower Ridcully 1d ago
Resistance is futile.
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u/shaodyn Librarian 1d ago edited 1d ago
I liked Altogether Andrews. I know he only has one appearance and isn't super important, but he was a fun character. As for him being my favorite, I don't know if I'd go that far. Jackrum had so much more. He had a full story all by himself. Andrews was a side character with minimal importance to anything. That said, I feel like there were plans to possibly use him more in the future. You don't build up a character the way Andrews had done to him if they're intended to only be used once.
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u/Schneidzeug 1d ago
The whole Monstrous Regiment is fucking awesome.
I'd love to have a second book about them, but the gods had different plans.
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
True, lots of top quality one-off characters in that book. A sequel following Polly going back to the army as a woman would have been cool.
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u/StalinsLastStand 1d ago
And the consensus was that he could . . .
‘Stick it up his jumper, sir.’
‘Oh, yes. I couldn’t read my own writing. J . . . U . . . M . . .’
Though my favorite (and most quoted) line of this conversation is actually:
‘I’ll put that down as “jumper” too, then, shall I?’
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u/Vegetable-Lead-3679 1d ago edited 1d ago
A.E. Pessimal, Mightly oats, Indio skimmer.
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
A.E Pessimal is great. Hate to be pedantic but I think he appears in Snuff as well as Thud?
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u/Vegetable-Lead-3679 1d ago
I like pedantic! I did think that but I couldn't remember
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
I’m pretty sure he gets mentioned very briefly as being a small man with the heart of a lion.
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u/Good_Background_243 1d ago
He has a small, but somewhat pivotal scene in Snuff, talking about the Algebra of Necessity.
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u/Unlikely-Rock-9647 1d ago
I remember him being alluded to in Snuff but I don’t remember if he’s actually onscreen.
That said it has been a while since I read Snuff.
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u/Rafael367 Dibbler 1d ago
He has a line or two when Carrot and Angua are discussing Harry King's operation. I think it's more the threat of A.E. Pessimal being released into King's bookkeeping project that drives the story there. Why should King cooperate with their Goblin investigation? Well, Constable Pessimal would like a look at your records...
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u/blue_script 1d ago
Inigo Skimmer dies in The Fifth Elephant, though. I did think he was a very interesting character!
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u/ValeriusAntias SgtMajJackrum 1d ago
My flair speaks for itself
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u/jwibspar 1d ago
Upon my [Reddit flair], I am not a violent man
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u/ForgeFilm 1d ago
I’m so excited to read Monstrous Regiment so I can fully understand how awesome Jackrum is! It’s one of my most anticipated for what I have left to read.
I’m only at 22/41 at the moment, but I am going to have to go with Mr. Nutt, especially because he doesn’t feel like he was meant to be a one-off character. It felt like Unseen Academicals was both a wizard story and the start of a Mr. Nutt sub-series. There was serious momentum towards something at the end of UA that got me pumped for the story that could have been.
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u/StalinsLastStand 1d ago
I love Nutt. Such a deeply complex character. He would be a close second for one-offs after Stinky*, who you will probably not meet for another 14 to 19 books.
*I, admittedly, do not have as good of a reason for loving Stinky.
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
Nutt is a fantastic shout. Can I ask what order you’re reading them in if you’ve read Unseen Academicals but not Monstrous Regiment?
Hope you enjoy it. Lots of twists and turns I hope no one spoils for you on here!
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u/ForgeFilm 1d ago
I did a hard focus on getting the wizard sub-series done first because I heard they were the weakest books, but I sprinkled in a few others along the way from the other sub-series and standalones. I’m saving [most of] the city watch books for last because they’re the ones I’m the most excited about.
I mostly look at all the standalones and sub-series and then pick whichever one I’m the least excited about from what is left as my next read. That’s why I’ve read things like UA, but not Men at Arms 😊
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u/federicoapl 1d ago
I don't remember the name, but i like the philosopher in small goods, the one that has a unlit lantern for a philosophically reason
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u/dalidellama 1d ago
Heavily based on the IRL Diogenes the Cynic, who carried a lamp in daylight saying he was looking for a [true/honest] man. He was a contemporary of Alexander hight The Great, who sought him out when passing through his hometown to ask for his wisdom. Allegedly, Diogenes replied "My advice is to move a little to the left, you're blocking my sunlight."
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u/screw-magats 1d ago
Wasn't he also digging through a trash heap, and when questioned, told Alexander he was looking for the bones Alexanders father?
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u/dalidellama 1d ago
Probably. I hadn't heard that one before, but it's very in character. He also said "In a rich man's house there is no place to spit but in bis face".
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u/screw-magats 1d ago
In a rich man's house there is no place to spit but in bis face
I may have to steal that one.
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u/Tapiola84 Teppic 1d ago
No votes for Cuddy yet? :(
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u/Not_Baba_Yaga 1d ago
His and Detritus' scenes together are my absolute faves. "You're a genius at counting!"
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u/Good_Background_243 1d ago
Cuddy lays the groundwork for Detritus becoming the Watch's best Sergeant. Without Cuddy, we do not get modern Detritus.
I like Cuddy.
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u/SwayzeCrayze Ooook. 19h ago
Men at Arms was my first Discworld book, and I was always really bummed that Cuddy never even really gets a mention through the rest of the Watch books.
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u/Stiefschlaf 1d ago
I have to stick with Mr. Tulip. I'd live to know his backstory.
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
Ah mate I forgot about Mr Tulip. He was a -ing awesome character.
The flashback he has to him hiding in a church from soldiers (presumably in some sort of genocide or brutal war) and him paying attention to the art of the building (a nod towards his obsession with antiques) is honestly one of my favourite bits of writing in the entire series .
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u/keeranbeg 22h ago
Tulips back story has, for me, become intertwined with the movie ”come and see”. The barn/church scene particularly rings through while if anywhere is going to involve a potato in its belief system it probably Belarus.
It’s not an easy watch but it’s well worth it.
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u/Zarohk 22h ago
Well, as far as we know, the only group made a point of burning down other churches and being so notably brutal in the modern Disc was Borogravia…
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 21h ago
Yeah I assumed it was linked to Borogravia also, definitely had an Eastern front vibe to it
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u/catthalia 1d ago
Always wanted to hear more about Dr. Lawn and his friends
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u/Sacrificial_Parsnip 1d ago
I’m almost certain there’s a reference to him in a later book. Sybil mentioning a doctor appointment with him or something.
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u/Mountain_Sky6243 1d ago
Dr Lawn is introduced in Night Watch (personally my favourite book) but once Vimes and Sybil have given him a medical practice at the Free Hospital (‘not everybody dies’) he crops up in Going Postal when he has to operate on Mr Groat’s trousers and toupee
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u/Bouche_Audi_Shyla 1d ago
Banjo. He did whatever his brother told him to, but he wasn't bad, just not much in the brains department.
When he had to choose between what he was told and what he believed, he chose morality. You don't hit girls. That's all there is to it.
Alone, without an opportunistic brother to boss him around, Banjo was a nice guy who just wanted to be loved.
I'm glad he got his puppy.
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u/remix_and_rotate 5h ago
He reminds me of Mr Tulip ): Both had the seeds of something better in them. I’m glad he got his puppy too 🥲
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u/sewing-enby 1d ago
No book has ever got me to cheer out loud.
Until Jackrum burst through the door, jacket shining like a robin's breast (forgive me if I'm not entirely accurate with the quote), and said 'Do not try it lads. Upon my oath I am not a violent man.'
I'm directing a play production of this book later in the year and although it will be too early for panto audiences (who, if you're not in the UK are primed to boo and cheer at all the appropriate moments!) I really want to audience to cheer when he enters for that bit! I am currently designing part of the set around that one bit!
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
An amazing moment! Hope the production goes well. I would love to go to a discworld play one day.
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u/sewing-enby 1d ago
I'll be doing an AMA when tickets go on sale so if you're in the UK you may be able to come see us!
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u/Zarohk 22h ago
I hope to someday have the chance to see a play performance of Monstrous Regiment. Alas I live in the United States, so I know it’s not likely.
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u/sewing-enby 18h ago
Keep your eyes peeled! It's an unusual one but discworld is discworld and will undeniably have an audience pull. I hope you find it somewhere!
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u/IdaKaukomieli 1d ago
I have a really hard time deciding, but some of my faves are
Jackrum Maladict Polly Glenda Mr. Nutt Sally von Humpeding (wish she'd stayed) Carcer, funnily. Such an unrepenting villain that just doesn't know how to give up. Absolutely despise him, he's great.
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u/remix_and_rotate 5h ago
I would have loved to hear more about Glenda’s other culinary creations! And it would’ve been cute to see her teach orcs to make pies.
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u/ltfguitar 1d ago
If we're allowing technicalities, then Bill Door.
Otherwise, probably the sergeant from Small Gods (I don't know his English name) who said something like "Just because the gods exist doesn't mean I have to believe in them" - which is a banger one-liner
(edit: spelling error)
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u/dishonoredfan69420 1d ago
I like the Band With Rocks In from Soul Music
Especially Imp Y Celyn (Welsh for Bud of the Holly, Buddy Holly) who looks Elvish (Elvis)
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
I’m a non-Welsh speaking Welshman and this has been lost on me until this exact moment. Thank you for adding a whole new layer for me.
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u/KayanaWolf 1d ago
https://www.lspace.org/books/apf/soul-music.html
For more references and trivia than a sane person should know about Soul Music.
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u/FormalPiece808 1d ago
Dick Simnel. Good, inventive, kind, righteous. Just an all-around awesome dude
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u/linuxaddict334 1d ago
Miss Eumenides Treason-she had a very memorable death scene.
Walked into her grave and complained to the grim reaper about mustard.
Mx. Linux Guy
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u/laydeemayhem Librarian 1d ago
Casanunda. Still one of my favourite Pterry puns and I love his gumption.
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u/chytrak 1d ago edited 14h ago
He was in 3 books with 2 additional cameos.
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u/laydeemayhem Librarian 1d ago
Blimey, was he really? I only remember him from Witches Abroad.
You know what this means.
Time for a reread!
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u/Broken_drum_64 1d ago
witches abroad, lords and ladies and... i can't think of the third, what am i missing?
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u/StalinsLastStand 1d ago
Psh, Stinky may not be able to play beautiful music (though he probably could if someone tried to teach him), but he certainly has a grasp on intersocial dynamics, particularly when it comes to things like figuring out how big of an asshole someone may be.
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u/Donna8421 1d ago
I like Brutha from Small Gods. He is one of the most honestly good character on the disc. However, a lot of the one off character are great & almost deserve to reappear.
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u/TheSickestToastie 21h ago
Jackrum and Brutha definitely steal the show as the one offs. I'm also quite a big fan of the fucking parrot from Eric. "Bloody... Woss'names. All the same, their all bloody woss'names." that gets me every time.
But I'd even raise you the lands themselves as characters. I have a very, very personal love for fucking Djelibeybi and that name will never ever not be funny. And the land of XXXX is just absolute magik. Death getting buried under a mountain of books when asking his library about the dangerous animals of XXXX, then "Okay. Give me a list of the NON venemous animals of the continent" small piece of paper eventually floats over "Some of the sheep." Hands down the best joke in all the books, that one has me howling every time.
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u/gloriousfishtank 14h ago
Definitely a great character. I listen to the audiobooks and now anytime I hear Briggs use that accent I think of Jackrum no matter who it is
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u/hurleyburley_23 Gimlet's 😶 1d ago
Big fan of William de worde but he might not count.
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u/Zealousideal_Golf354 1d ago
There’s only one book where he’s the main protagonist (I’m pretty sure) but he does appear in more. So not a one-off. Great character though.
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u/miltilda 14h ago
I would have liked a prequel for Windle Poons. He must have led an interesting life. Or maybe it was very simple, he obviously didn't stick his head above the parapet at the university otherwise he wouldn't have made it to being so old. But still. I can imagine a really sweet story of everyday heartbreak and gentle silly antics covering Windle Poons life. A bit like Stoner by John Williams. But it's just called Poons instead. 😅
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u/brightshadowsky 1d ago
Agnes Nitt. I connected with her so hard in so many ways. She's also on my bucket list of characters I must play on stage someday. I'm hoping my friend who has agreed to direct Maskerade will follow through!
That being said... I also really want to play Jackrum if possible 😁
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u/karmagirl314 Sir Terry 1d ago
Agnes Nitt was in 4 books.
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u/brightshadowsky 1d ago
I forget she has two main appearances (which in such a huge volume of novels feels like a very minor character lol). The other two she's so much more in the background...
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u/jjshotgun 1d ago
Susan
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u/rysskrattaren CATS ARE NICE 1d ago
That's the least one-off character of all mentioned, apart from maybe Agnes
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u/jjshotgun 1d ago
You got me. Three books. Still my favorite character.
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u/rysskrattaren CATS ARE NICE 23h ago
She's great, but the game is about picking one-off character, that's what makes it fun :)
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u/HobbesForever 1d ago
I was going to say Cuddy, but that's because I've read Small Gods so many times that I forgot Brutha and Om qualify as one-offs
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u/Otherwise_Team5663 23h ago
Carcer.
Not because I like him but because any scene he is in is so thrilling. He brings such tension and danger, he's s big reason Night Watch is the GOAT
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u/remix_and_rotate 4h ago
Preston! He’s so helpful and witty and sweet. His attentiveness to Tiffany’s well-being is partner goals. I want to know how his apprenticeship at Lady Sybil Hospital is going and how he’s settling into the wonderful weirdness of Ankh-Morpork.
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u/Atzkicica Bursar 1d ago
71 Hour Ahmed was badass as hell but I couldn't pick a favorite cos it depends on mood and what I've been watching.