What is Death's personality in the Discworld novels?

Answer 1

Discworld's "Death" character is recognizeable because he always speaks in small-caps, and never has quotation marks around his sentences because his words are not "spoken" so much as they are "heard within the mind".

Death is unique in that he is the only discworld character to be present in every single discworld book, even if only as a cameo. However, he does have a major part in more than one storyline.

His personality has changed throughout the series. At first he seemed rather cold and ruthlessly efficient. The only emotion he showed was annoyance if someone confused his work schedule by eluding his grasp at the appointed hour.

The character took on more human qualities as the series progressed, and he interacted more and more with humans. At first they were a curiosity to him. This curiosity came to a head when he adopted a human daughter, and took on a human apprentice specifically in order to provide her with a husband. When this couple eventually had a daughter she showed signs of having "inherited" family abilities from Death, such as the ability to walk through walls.

Death became more sympathetic since the birth of his granddaughter. Though confused by her humanity, he tried to be kind to her by building her a swing, and felt somewhat hurt when she told him he had "bony knees".

At one time Death took some time off from work to go get a job. He worked reaping wheat, and it might be said he almost had a romantic feeling towards his employer Miss Flitworth. At least, he did bring her romantic presents and dance with her once.

Death continues to be mystified by the motivations of humanity, and he studies them much as any hobbiest might study a favorite curiosity.

Though efficient, Death is never intentionally cruel. Sometimes he does his best to give a kind word, or at least a helpful bit of advice to people he services, as they pass from life to death.

Death rather likes cats and kittens, and has been known to become rather irate at folks who would drown them in a sack.

Answer 2

Death in the Discworld novels is portrayed as a solemn yet compassionate figure. He is depicted as respectful of life and carries out his duties with a sense of duty and inevitability. Despite his intimidating appearance, Death is curious about humans and seeks to understand their emotions and behavior, often leading to moments of humor and insight.