I think he knows quite well but chooses to stay Captain of the Watch because he can rule better from there. Central to everything he can influence all the important events in the city.

Carrot loves Anhk-Morpork, the law, and Commander Vimes too much to change it by reclaiming the throne, for now. If the day ever came when Anhk-Morpork needed a king more then it needs to not have a king, Carrot would do his duty and Angua would, too. She is of noble blood as much as Carrot and she would be as eligible as any other woman in modern day Anhk-Morpork.

Carrot definitely knows that. But he think that he is better guard than king.

It's pretty obvious Carrot knows.

If this has been pointed out already than sorry but..............in Men At Arms, Carrot reads the information that the Dr Downey (think it's him) compiled. He must discover than that he is the hier to the throne because he also choses to bury the evidence with the coffin.

Vimes points out that the coffin seemes heavier & Carrot plays all innocent.

Carrot is not only aware of who he is, but also prepared to use the authority that comes with in - in a subtle way. I think it's when Vetinari makes Vimes a Duke that he (Vetinari) observes he is sure the King would ratify the appointment should they ever have one again - the implication being that Carrot has given his approval.

Not only given his approval, but made the suggestion, I thought.

Carrot knows, but he doesn't want to be "King" because he knows Vimes'd 'ack his 'ead orf!!! Just like ol' Stoneface did the last king.


"I used to talk to myself, but we're okay now"

Do you really think so? I don't think Vimes would unless he felt it was necessary, and I don't think Carrot would do anything that would make it necessary.

No, no. I think seriously there is a kind of father/son bond (somewhat vague, maybe) between them that for me is one of the most endearing things about the later watch novels. Obviously Vimes knows Carrot is the "Rightful heir" (as does everyone else i think), and i think he is trying to protect him because he knows the dangers that such a role would bring to Carrot. As to weather Carrot knows? Either he doesn't, (his innocent naivete?) or he does and is being cunningly clever because he doesn't want to be "King!"

Also, sometimes I get the feeling that another reason for his reluctance to take the throne (if indeed he DOES know), stems from his great respect for Vimes! This is my interpretation anyway. I'm probably wrong again, though!



"I only drink when I'm sober!"

I completely agree with the Vimes angle myself.Mr.Vimes would go spare!

Actually its Dr Cruces, who Carrot stabs, leaving a hole in the stone pillar, as mentioned several times, its not the guy who pulls a sword out of a stone whos special, its the guy who put it in in the first place. Lord Downey is Dr Cruces successor.

Ventinari knows who Carrot is, he shows Carrot the truth behind the throne - wood and gold leaf.

Must read Thud again.

My understanding is that Carrot realises that AM needs a ruler, not a hero, and Vetinari already fills the role admirably.

I don't understand why everyone thinks Carrot is simple. Apart from his first entry into the series where he doesn't appear to realise he isn't of Dwarvish origin, he has always seemed quite smart to me.

He's described that way in the books, with the clear understanding that simple isn't the same as stupid.