Even so, there are sadly only so many books that involve the group directly, and even fewer feature cameos by one or more of Ankh-Morpork's finest. While the series is likely to Discworld's shared graphic novel universe and give fans a new way to consume these stories, the problem does remain that the City Watch's arc comes to an end in Snuff, leaving few other chances to read them in action. Fortunately, long-time fans of Pratchett know that, alongside his novels, he wrote several short stories for Discworld, with one featuring our favorite Watchmen: "Theater of Cruelty."

Theater of Cruelty Is Perfect For Discworld Fans Who Love The City Watch

Theater of Cruelty Was Published In 1993

Pratchett's "Theater of Cruelty" is perfect for fans of Discworld who want to see a bit more of the City Watch either between or after finishing their main books. The short story is meant to act as book 1.5 in the City Watch branch of Discworld, easing audiences further into their adventures after Carrot s in Guards! Guards! but before the explosive events of Men At Arms, allowing it to easily fit into any Discworld series reading order. It lets readers get to know the newest Watchman a bit more while giving another quick taste of Pratchett's humor and wit.

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The story chronicles a mysterious death within Ankh-Morpork, with Sergeant Colon and Corporal Nobbs finding the body in an odd state. Carrot takes it upon himself to solve the case and does so with his usual linear thinking, albeit with some hesitation from Vimes, whose brief appearance continues to illustrate his grumpy but good-hearted disposition. It also features another iconic Discworld character, neatly connecting two major branches of Pratchett's work in a way that works seamlessly with the larger worldbuilding of the series.

"Theater of Cruelty" is ultimately a fun and quick murder mystery story that lets you see more of what made these characters so legendary within the fantasy sphere. Readers can take a look at it after reading the main books or while going through the series in order and still enjoy it, as "Theater of Cruelty" does not reference anything from the main series beyond its characters and setting. Accessibility is one of many reasons that make "Theater of Cruelty" a must-read alongside Pratchett's other short stories.

Pratchett’s Short Stories Are Great For Fans Who Want More Discworld

Pratchett's Short Stories Add Even More To Discworld's Themes And Characters

Discworld's variety of short stories allowed Pratchett to really add to his already extensive worldbuilding and characters, making them great for those who love his work and want more once they finish the series. As mentioned, Pratchett wrote several short stories within Discworld that featured many of his iconic characters, including Death and Granny Weatherwax, expanding their roles and adventures outside their main storylines. Those expansions let Pratchett play with the series' themes and comedy. It led to some of the most poignant quotes in Discworld and their various reprints in collections like Pratchett's A Blink of the Screen.

Titles such as "Death and What Comes Next" allow Pratchett dig into the nature of death and people's response to it, fleshing out Death's characterization even further in a way that felt honest to the larger narrative's message. Conversely, stories like "A Collegiate Casting-Out of Devilish Devices" add another moment of humor to the series as the wizards of Ankh-Morpork face more of the city's oddly efficient bureaucracy. Either way, these short stories are perfect for fans of Discworld who want to explore more of this wonderfully strange world after they reach the last page.

Discworld

Created by

Terry Pratchett

First Film

Hogfather

Latest Film

Going Postal

First TV Show

Soul Music

Latest TV Show

The Watch

First Episode Air Date

1997-00-00

Discworld is a celebrated fantasy franchise created by Sir Terry Pratchett. The series takes place on a flat, disc-shaped world that is carried through space on the backs of four elephants, who stand on the shell of the giant turtle Great A'Tuin. Known for its satirical humor and incisive social commentary, the franchise began with novels but later expanded to adaptations in film, television, radio, stage plays, and video games. It has had a lasting impact on fantasy literature and pop culture.

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