"Going Postal" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Going Postal" by Terry Pratchett, the protagonist, Moist von Lipwig, is a former con artist who is forced to become the Postmaster of the Ankh-Morpork Post Office. Lord Vetinari, the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, acts as the antagonist, while Adora Belle Dearheart serves as Moist's love interest. Reacher Gilt, a rival businessman, takes on the role of the secondary antagonist.

Character Descriptions

• Moist von Lipwig: Moist is a charismatic and clever con artist who finds himself thrust into the position of Postmaster. He has dark hair, a mischievous smile, and a penchant for mischief.
• Lord Vetinari: Lord Vetinari is the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, a city-state in the Discworld series. He is described as tall, thin, and always dressed in black. Vetinari is known for his cunning and manipulation.
• Adora Belle Dearheart: Adora Belle Dearheart is a strong-willed and independent woman who works as a partner in the Golem Trust. She has dark hair, a no-nonsense attitude, and a mechanical hand.
• Reacher Gilt: Reacher Gilt is a wealthy businessman and rival of Moist von Lipwig. He is described as having slicked-back hair, a charming smile, and a deceitful nature.
• Mr. Pump: Mr. Pump is a golem, an animated clay figure, who works at the Post Office. He is tall, made of clay, and follows instructions with precision.
• Stanley Howler: Stanley Howler is a junior postman who idolizes Moist von Lipwig. He is described as young, eager, and always wearing his uniform with pride.
• Groat: Groat is an elderly clerk at the Post Office. He is described as hunched over, with thinning gray hair and a nervous demeanor.
• Topsy Lavish: Topsy Lavish is a young woman who works at the Post Office. She is described as having wild, untamed hair and a creative spirit.
• Junior Postman Groat: Junior Postman Groat is Groat's son and also works at the Post Office. He is eager to prove himself and make his father proud.

Character Traits

• Moist von Lipwig: Charismatic, clever, mischievous, adaptable, resourceful.
• Lord Vetinari: Cunning, manipulative, intelligent, calculated, mysterious.
• Adora Belle Dearheart: Strong-willed, independent, intelligent, determined, resilient.
• Reacher Gilt: Deceitful, charming, manipulative, greedy, charismatic.
• Mr. Pump: Obedient, precise, loyal, stoic, methodical.
• Stanley Howler: Eager, loyal, impressionable, naive, hardworking.
• Groat: Nervous, loyal, diligent, anxious, older.
• Topsy Lavish: Creative, free-spirited, imaginative, artistic, unconventional.
• Junior Postman Groat: Eager, determined, hardworking, respectful, eager to please.

Character Background

• Moist von Lipwig: Moist von Lipwig was a renowned con artist in Ankh-Morpork before being caught by the authorities. He was given the choice of becoming the Postmaster or facing the hangman's noose.
• Lord Vetinari: Lord Vetinari has been the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork for many years. He is known for his iron grip on the city and his ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
• Adora Belle Dearheart: Adora Belle Dearheart is a partner in the Golem Trust, an organization that advocates for the rights of golems in Ankh-Morpork. She has a personal vendetta against Reacher Gilt.
• Reacher Gilt: Reacher Gilt is a wealthy businessman who has made his fortune through dishonest means. He sees the Post Office as a threat to his own business ventures.
• Mr. Pump: Mr. Pump is a golem who was brought to life to work at the Post Office. He follows instructions without question and is loyal to Moist von Lipwig.
• Stanley Howler: Stanley Howler is a young man who joined the Post Office as a junior postman. He idolizes Moist von Lipwig and wants to prove himself in his new job.
• Groat: Groat has been working at the Post Office for many years and is a dedicated employee. He is loyal to Moist von Lipwig and wants to see the Post Office succeed.
• Topsy Lavish: Topsy Lavish is a creative and imaginative young woman who works at the Post Office. She brings a fresh perspective to the team.
• Junior Postman Groat: Junior Postman Groat is Groat's son and has recently joined the Post Office. He is eager to prove himself and make his father proud.

Character Arcs

• Moist von Lipwig: Moist undergoes a significant character arc throughout the book. Initially, he is a reluctant Postmaster, only interested in finding a way to escape his responsibilities. However, as he becomes more involved in the Post Office and the lives of its employees, he begins to care about their well-being and the future of the institution. He transforms from a self-serving con artist to a leader who is willing to fight for the survival of the Post Office.
• Lord Vetinari: Lord Vetinari's character arc is more subtle. He remains the manipulative and enigmatic Patrician throughout the book, but his actions and decisions ultimately contribute to the greater good of Ankh-Morpork. His role in challenging Moist von Lipwig pushes the protagonist to grow and change.
• Adora Belle Dearheart: Adora Belle Dearheart starts the book with a strong dislike for Moist von Lipwig, blaming him for the death of her father. As the story progresses, she begins to see the potential for change in him and develops feelings for him. Her character arc involves overcoming her initial judgments and learning to trust and love again.
• Reacher Gilt: Reacher Gilt's character arc is centered around his greed and willingness to do anything to maintain his wealth and power. He starts as a rival to Moist von Lipwig but eventually becomes a true antagonist as his deceitful schemes are exposed. His downfall is a result of his own arrogance and underestimation of Moist's resourcefulness.

Relationships

• Moist von Lipwig and Lord Vetinari: Moist and Lord Vetinari have a complex relationship throughout the book. Vetinari forces Moist into the role of Postmaster and manipulates events to push him to succeed. There is a constant power struggle between the two characters, with Vetinari testing Moist's ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
• Moist von Lipwig and Adora Belle Dearheart: Moist and Adora Belle Dearheart have a complicated relationship that starts with animosity. Over time, Moist's charm and determination win her over, and they develop a romantic connection. Their relationship is based on mutual respect and a shared desire for justice.
• Moist von Lipwig and Reacher Gilt: Moist and Reacher Gilt have a rivalry throughout the book. Gilt sees Moist as a threat to his own business ventures and tries to sabotage his efforts at every turn. Their relationship is one of conflict and competition.
• Moist von Lipwig and Mr. Pump: Moist and Mr. Pump develop a unique friendship throughout the book. Initially, Moist sees Mr. Pump as just another employee, but he comes to rely on his unwavering loyalty and precision. Their relationship evolves into one of trust and respect.
• Moist von Lipwig and Stanley Howler: Moist takes Stanley under his wing and becomes a mentor figure to him. Stanley idolizes Moist and looks up to him as a role model. Their relationship is one of guidance and support.
• Moist von Lipwig and Groat: Moist and Groat have a working relationship based on mutual respect. Groat is a loyal employee, and Moist relies on his experience and knowledge of the Post Office. Their relationship is one of trust and collaboration.
• Moist von Lipwig and Topsy Lavish: Moist and Topsy develop a friendship based on their shared creativity and unconventional thinking. Topsy brings a fresh perspective to the Post Office, and Moist values her input. Their relationship is one of camaraderie and collaboration.
• Moist von Lipwig and Junior Postman Groat: Moist takes Junior Postman Groat under his wing and becomes a mentor figure to him, similar to his relationship with Stanley. Junior Postman Groat looks up to Moist and wants to prove himself. Their relationship is one of guidance and support.

In conclusion, "Going Postal" by Terry Pratchett features a diverse cast of characters with their own unique roles, traits, backgrounds, and relationships. Through their interactions and character arcs, the book explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the power of change.