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The story follows a plot by a secret brotherhood, the Unique and Supreme Lodge of the Elucidated Brethren, to overthrow the Patrician and install a king, who would be under their control. Using a stolen magic book, they summon a dragon to strike fear into the people of Ankh-Morpork, so their "heir" to the throne will be accepted. It is the task of the Night Watch-- Captain Vimes, Sergeant Colon, Corporal Nobbs, and new volunteer Carrot Ironfoundersson--to stop them, with some help from the Librarian of the Unseen University, an orangutan trying to get the stolen book back.
The Watch is in bad condition; they are regarded as a bunch of drunks who just walk around ringing their bells. The arrival of Carrot changes this; Carrot has memorised the laws of Ankh-Morpork, and on his first day tries to arrest the head of the Guild of Thieves for theft. Carrot's enthusiasm rings with the feeling nagging at Captain Vimes; that the Watch should prevent crime. Vimes begins investigating the dragon appearances, which leads to an acquaintance with Sybil Ramkin , a breeder of swamp dragons.
Though the leader of the Elucidated Brethren is initially successful in controlling the dragon; and banishes it when he no longer needs it; he has not counted on the dragon's own magic. The dragon returns, and makes itself king of Ankh-Morpork, keeping the head of the Elucidated Brethren, the now imprisoned Patriarch's secretary, Wonse, as his mouth piece; and demands the people of Ankh-Morpork bring him gold, for his bedding, and regular virgin sacrifices.
Vimes is imprisoned, in the same cell as the Patrician; who has been leading a relatively comfortable life, with the help of the rats he uses as spies. The Librarian helps Vimes to escape; and he runs to the aid of Sybil, who has been chosen as the first virgin to be sacrificed. One of Sybil's dragon's, Errol, fights the king; and wins. While a crowd attempts to close in on the king to kill it, Sybil tries to plead for it, while Carrot places it under arrest; but Errol lets the dragon escape, to be his mate.
The novel has been adapted as: