- Why do you think the novel features the two main characters it does—that is, a one-spell, down-and-out wizard and an idealist tourist? How do these characters relate to the fantasy genre as a whole and also work against it?
- What characteristics do you see the female characters sharing? What does the novel seem to be saying about the treatment of women in the fantasy genre? Given this, why do you suppose the novel features no ladies in lead roles?
- The novel spends more time in Ankh-Morpork than any other location. What purpose do you see the river-split city serving in setting up the Discworld and the people that populate it?
- A major focus in fantasy literature is the world building. If you've read A Game of Thrones or The Wizard of Earthsea, you know what we mean. What elements of our world does The Color of Magic build into the fictional Discworld? Pick one—how do you see that element affecting the novel thematically?
- What kind of humor would you say the Discworld is going for? Do you think it's successful in this, or would another humor-style be more appropriate for its fantasy setting? If you could pick one comedian or comedy director to adapt the Discworld for the stage or a film, who would you pick, and why?
- Does this novel have an antagonist or not? Is it Death? Does each section contain its own antagonist? Is Rincewind his own worst enemy? Or is the antagonist something more abstract? Tell us what you think because we seriously can't make up our minds on this one.
- The Color of Magic is one of few Discworld novels separated by chapter/story breaks. Most of the others are simply wall-to-wall text, front to back. Why do you think the story separates into different tales where it does? Why do you think the story does away with chapter or section breaks within the individual tales? Given this, how does the overall structure affect your reading of the story?