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* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph's first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it, so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
to:
* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph's first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it, so he switchs switches to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.AndNowYouMustMarryMe.
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** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler:they're already married. She seduced him by making him believe he's the father, but actually the father is his ''brother''].]
to:
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler:they're already married. She seduced him by making him believe he's the father, but actually the father is his ''brother''].]''brother'']].
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* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it — in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[{{Ubermensch}} other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true free-thinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
to:
* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it — in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[{{Ubermensch}} other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them them, but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true free-thinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
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Changed line(s) 10,11 (click to see context) from:
!!Tropes associated with World Without End
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph for Philippa
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph for Philippa
to:
!!Tropes associated with World ''World Without End
End'':
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph forPhilippaPhilippa.
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph for
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* AdaptationalAttractiveness: In the books, Caris is viewed as ordinary and Merin rather odd-looking. In the mini-series Caris is described the most beautiful women of Kingsbridge and Merin is played by the handsome Tom Weston-Jones.
to:
* AdaptationalAttractiveness: In the books, Caris is viewed as ordinary and Merin Merthin rather odd-looking. In the mini-series mini-series, Caris is described as the most beautiful women woman of Kingsbridge and Merin Merthin is played by the handsome Tom Weston-Jones.
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* AllMenArePerverts: Ralph, Alan, Bishop Richard, Merthin. Philemon is an inverse example, being completely asexual and having a lust for power.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
to:
* AllMenArePerverts: Ralph, Alan, Bishop Richard, and Merthin. Philemon is an inverse example, being completely asexual and having a lust for power.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, such as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, such as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
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* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope. Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he proposes to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding but when he finds out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him knows this, he refuses to marry a woman he despises.
to:
* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope. Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he proposes to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding ShotgunWedding, but when he finds out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him knows this, he refuses to marry a woman he despises.
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** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She seduced him by making him believe he's the father but actually the father is his ''brother''.]]
to:
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're [[spoiler:they're already married. She seduced him by making him believe he's the father father, but actually the father is his ''brother''.]]''brother''].]
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* TheBlackDeath: Hits Kingsbridge hard--but not as hard as it might have thanks to Caris.
to:
* TheBlackDeath: Hits Kingsbridge hard--but hard — but not as hard as it might have thanks to Caris.
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* BlindIdiotTranslation: during their trip in France, Mair and Caris happen to walk along ''corn'' fields. As [[WordOfGod precised by the author]], "corn" here stands for "any grain crop including wheat, barley and rye" [[https://ken-follett.com/errata/]]. It was nonetheless translated into French as "maïs" (maize), a cereal originated in Mexico, that would be totally unknown in 14th century Europe.
* ButchLesbian: [[spoiler: Mair]] is as much of one as any woman could be in Medieval times.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this at first but she gets better.
* BuryYourGays: [[spoiler: Mair]] dies of the plague, as does [[spoiler: Thomas's]] implied lover. Of course, since it was the Black Death, they were hardly the only ones killed off. [[SubvertedTrope Countered]], somewhat, by [[spoiler: Bishop Henri]], who, by the end of the book, is noted as all but married to his male lover.
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomes poor [[spoiler: gets brutally raped by Ralph]] she even becomes TheWoobie, despite her dickish behaviour.
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among ladies.
* ButchLesbian: [[spoiler: Mair]] is as much of one as any woman could be in Medieval times.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this at first but she gets better.
* BuryYourGays: [[spoiler: Mair]] dies of the plague, as does [[spoiler: Thomas's]] implied lover. Of course, since it was the Black Death, they were hardly the only ones killed off. [[SubvertedTrope Countered]], somewhat, by [[spoiler: Bishop Henri]], who, by the end of the book, is noted as all but married to his male lover.
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomes poor [[spoiler: gets brutally raped by Ralph]] she even becomes TheWoobie, despite her dickish behaviour.
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among ladies.
to:
* BlindIdiotTranslation: during During their trip in France, Mair and Caris happen to walk along ''corn'' fields. As [[WordOfGod precised by the author]], "corn" here stands for "any "[[https://ken-follett.com/errata/ any grain crop including wheat, barley and rye" [[https://ken-follett.com/errata/]]. rye]]". It was nonetheless translated into French as "maïs" (maize), a cereal which originated in Mexico, that would be totally unknown in 14th century Europe.
* ButchLesbian:[[spoiler: Mair]] [[spoiler:Mair]] is as much of one as any woman could be in Medieval times.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this atfirst first, but she gets better.
* BuryYourGays:[[spoiler: Mair]] [[spoiler:Mair]] dies of the plague, as does [[spoiler: Thomas's]] [[spoiler:Thomas's]] implied lover. Of course, since it was the Black Death, they were hardly the only ones killed off. [[SubvertedTrope Countered]], somewhat, by [[spoiler: Bishop [[spoiler:Bishop Henri]], who, by the end of the book, is noted as all but married to his male lover.
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomespoor [[spoiler: gets poor, [[spoiler:gets brutally raped by Ralph]] Ralph]]; she even becomes TheWoobie, despite her dickish behaviour.
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among the ladies.
* ButchLesbian:
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this at
* BuryYourGays:
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomes
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among the ladies.
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* CorruptChurch: The Priory, under Godwyn and Philemon is rather unholy, to say the least.
to:
* CorruptChurch: The Priory, Priory under Godwyn and Philemon is rather unholy, to say the least.
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* DeathOfTheHypotenuse: [[spoiler: After Caris joins the nunnery, Merthin marries another woman, and Caris gets involved in a relationship with another nun. Then TheBlackDeath happens, and they're both single again.]]
to:
* DeathOfTheHypotenuse: [[spoiler: After [[spoiler:After Caris joins the nunnery, Merthin marries another woman, and Caris gets involved in a relationship with another nun. Then TheBlackDeath happens, and they're both single again.]]
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* DramaticThunder: When [[spoiler: Godwyn]] appears in the cemetery, only to die moments later.
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include putting dung on open wounds, and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how [[MedievalMorons dirty and ignorant]] everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include putting dung on open wounds, and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how [[MedievalMorons dirty and ignorant]] everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
to:
* DramaticThunder: When [[spoiler: Godwyn]] [[spoiler:Godwyn]] appears in the cemetery, only to die moments later.
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include [[WorstAid putting dung on openwounds, wounds]], and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how [[MedievalMorons dirty and ignorant]] everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk risks being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time time, the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include [[WorstAid putting dung on open
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* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her actions have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
to:
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, France; although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her actions have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
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* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing to ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth''.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it - in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[UberMensch other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true freethinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it - in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[UberMensch other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true freethinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
to:
* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing compared to ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth''.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it- — in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[UberMensch [[{{Ubermensch}} other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true freethinking free-thinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it
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* KilledMidSentence: [[spoiler: Ralph, during an attempt of LukeIAmYourFather to Sam.]]
to:
* KilledMidSentence: [[spoiler: Ralph, [[spoiler:Ralph, during an attempt of LukeIAmYourFather to Sam.]]
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* LukeYouAreMyFather: [[spoiler: Gwenda tells Ralph that Sam is his son to avoid him being hanged.]]
to:
* LukeYouAreMyFather: [[spoiler: Gwenda [[spoiler:Gwenda tells Ralph that Sam is his son to avoid him being hanged.]]
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* NaughtyNuns / SexyPriest: Many of the priests, monks, and nuns still have sexual relations despite their vows of chastity.
to:
* NaughtyNuns / SexyPriest: NaughtyNuns[=/=]SexyPriest: Many of the priests, monks, and nuns still have sexual relations despite their vows of chastity.
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* ParentalSubstitute: Aunt Petranilla try to be this to Caris, but she failed.
to:
* ParentalSubstitute: Aunt Petranilla try tried to be this to Caris, but she failed.
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* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: William, Bishop Henri, Mother Cecilia and generally neutral characters who are not personally involved in the conflicts. Nathan Reeve also has elements of this.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''. [[spoiler: He had good reasons for became a monk.]]
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop. Later Philemon also has one.
* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''. [[spoiler: He had good reasons for became a monk.]]
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop. Later Philemon also has one.
* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
to:
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: William, Bishop Henri, Mother Cecilia Cecilia, and generally neutral characters who are not personally involved in the conflicts. Nathan Reeve also has elements of this.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''.[[spoiler: He [[spoiler:He had good reasons for became becoming a monk.]]
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop.Later Later, Philemon also has one.
* RomancingTheWidow:Ralph Ralph's first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it it, so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''.
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop.
* RomancingTheWidow:
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* ScarpiaUltimatum: Done by Ralph to Gwenda. Several times. [[spoiler: Until he gets killed for it.]]
to:
* ScarpiaUltimatum: Done by Ralph to Gwenda. Several times. [[spoiler: Until [[spoiler:Until he gets killed for it.]]
Changed line(s) 78 (click to see context) from:
* SiblingYinYang: Merthin and Ralph, Philemon and Gwenda, Caris and Alice
to:
* SiblingYinYang: Merthin and Ralph, Philemon and Gwenda, Caris and AliceAlice.
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* SituationalSexuality: After becoming a novice nun, [[spoiler: our heroine Caris]] has a fling with another nun. There also several other side-character monks/priests or nuns who have similar relationships, though some of them are indicated to be outright homosexuals rather than situation ones.
* SmugSnake: [[spoiler: Godwyn]] fancies himself a MagnificentBastard, but the plague proves otherwise.
* SmugSnake: [[spoiler: Godwyn]] fancies himself a MagnificentBastard, but the plague proves otherwise.
to:
* SituationalSexuality: After becoming a novice nun, [[spoiler: our [[spoiler:our heroine Caris]] has a fling with another nun. There also several other side-character monks/priests or nuns who have similar relationships, though some of them are indicated to be outright homosexuals rather than situation situational ones.
* SmugSnake:[[spoiler: Godwyn]] [[spoiler:Godwyn]] fancies himself a MagnificentBastard, but the plague proves otherwise.
* SmugSnake:
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* TimeSkip: A 10 year skip happens 3 times during the story.
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* TimeSkip: A 10 year 10-year skip happens 3 times during the story.
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* TheUnfavorite: Merthin designed a full safe bridge, became a wealthy builder, and made riches unfathomable by most in the town. His father only cares whether or not Ralph becomes a knight again.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa, the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He [[spoiler: murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman not so young anymore and who utterly despise him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa, the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He [[spoiler: murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman not so young anymore and who utterly despise him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
to:
* TheUnfavorite: Merthin designed a full safe bridge, became a wealthy builder, and made riches unfathomable by most in the town. His father only cares about whether or not Ralph becomes a knight again.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa, the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He[[spoiler: murders [[spoiler:murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman who's not so young anymore and who utterly despise despises him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa, the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He
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this example is utterly zero-context by our standards. p.s. middle ages is not really very common period for this trope (earliest examples are from Shakespare, Regency Englad (and other national variants) and Edwardian period (+ national variants) are most archetypal.
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* SpiritedYoungLady: Caris is utterly bright for medieval standards.
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* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing to ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
* UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
to:
* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing to ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth''.
* UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
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Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
* DoorStopper: Even longer than ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
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* DoorStopper: Even longer than ThePillarsOfTheEarth.''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth''.
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A MiniSeries adaptation, aired in the US in November 2012 and the UK in January 2013.
to:
A MiniSeries adaptation, adaptation aired in the US in November 2012 and the UK in January 2013.
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Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* BlindIdiotTranslation: during their trip in France, Mair and Caris happen to walk along ''corn'' fields. As [[WordOfGod precised by the author]], "corn" here stands for "any grain crop including wheat, barley and rye". Still, it was translated into French as "maïs" (maize), a Mexican cereal totally unknown in 14th century France.
to:
* BlindIdiotTranslation: during their trip in France, Mair and Caris happen to walk along ''corn'' fields. As [[WordOfGod precised by the author]], "corn" here stands for "any grain crop including wheat, barley and rye". Still, it rye" [[https://ken-follett.com/errata/]]. It was nonetheless translated into French as "maïs" (maize), a Mexican cereal originated in Mexico, that would be totally unknown in 14th century France.Europe.
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Blind idiot translation new entry
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* BlindIdiotTranslation: during their trip in France, Mair and Caris happen to walk along ''corn'' fields. As [[WordOfGod precised by the author]], "corn" here stands for "any grain crop including wheat, barley and rye". Still, it was translated into French as "maïs" (maize), a Mexican cereal totally unknown in 14th century France.
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** Likewise, the book describes Gwenda as unattractive, with rat-like features. In the mini-series, she's played by a woman with a unique but certainly not unpleasant face.
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* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa , the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He [[spoiler: murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman not so young anymore and who utterly despise him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
to:
* VillainousCrush: Ralph Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa , Philippa, the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor squire. He [[spoiler: murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman not so young anymore and who utterly despise him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
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Changed line(s) 90 (click to see context) from:
* VillainousCrush: Ralph is '''obsessed''' with poor Philippa.
to:
* VillainousCrush: Ralph is '''obsessed''' Fitzgerald has been obsessed since his teens with Lady Philippa , the Countess of Shiring and older than him, a poor Philippa.squire. He [[spoiler: murders his first wife]] as soon as she's widowed and forces her to marry him. But RealityEnsues as Ralph has now to live with a woman not so young anymore and who utterly despise him. The crush lasts as long as you'd expect.
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Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include putting dung on open wounds, and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how dirty and ignorant everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
to:
* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include putting dung on open wounds, and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how [[MedievalMorons dirty and ignorant ignorant]] everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
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* {{Hypocrite}}: Caris freely admits, at least to herself, that she is this and that she sees nothing wrong with it - in her view, some people turn into degenerates without [[TheFettered strict rules holding them at bay,]] whereas [[UberMensch other people]] (like herself, needless to say) not only don't need them but are held back by them from expressing their [[TheUnfettered true freethinking greatness.]] Unfortunately, the latter need to at least ''pretend'' to follow the rules, or else the former will see them as this trope and consequently refuse to do as they are told. The narrative seems to agree with her, making it a FamilyUnfriendlyAesop.
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That's... very much a matter of opinion.
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* EverybodyHasLotsOfSex: The characters keep themselves very busy. It's actually a good use of the trope, as the sex scenes are not IkeaErotica and don't overshadow the plot.
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* EverybodyHasLotsOfSex: The characters keep themselves very busy. It's actually a good use of the trope, as the sex scenes are not IkeaErotica and don't overshadow the plot.
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* TheDungAges: Oddly enough, given that the earlier period in ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'' was presented as [[WorldHalfFull grimy but ultimately liveable,]] this trope is in full force here. [[CorruptChurch The church]] uses medical practises taken from ancient Greek scholars that include putting dung on open wounds, and refuse not only to consider that they might be wrong, but even that they might be in any way incomplete or possible to improve upon. Much is made of how dirty and ignorant everyone is. Any woman who doesn't conform to society's expectations risk being [[BurnTheWitch executed as a witch.]] [[AristocratsAreEvil Nobles are oppressive tyrants]], while at the same time the countryside is full of murderous bandits. [[FromBadToWorse And then the Black Death rolls around...]]
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* HundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
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* HundredYearsWar: UsefulNotes/TheHundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
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* TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
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* TheHouseOfPlantagenet: UsefulNotes/TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
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This page is for the book by Ken Follett. For the classic 1950s sci-fi film ''Film/WorldWithoutEnd''.
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This page is for the book by Ken Follett. For Not to be confused with the classic 1950s sci-fi film ''Film/WorldWithoutEnd''.
of the same name.
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* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her action have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
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* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her action actions have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
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* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he propose to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding but when he find out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him know this he refuse to marry a woman he despise.
** Another SubvertedTrope with Gwenda and Wulfric, though she never force him to marry her.
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She seduce him for make him believing he's the father but actually the father is ''his'' brother!]]
** Another SubvertedTrope with Gwenda and Wulfric, though she never force him to marry her.
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She seduce him for make him believing he's the father but actually the father is ''his'' brother!]]
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* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope SubvertedTrope. Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he propose proposes to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding but when he find finds out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him know this knows this, he refuse refuses to marry a woman he despise.despises.
**Another SubvertedTrope Also subverted with Gwenda and Wulfric, though she never force forces him to marry her.
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. Sheseduce seduced him for make by making him believing believe he's the father but actually the father is ''his'' brother!]]his ''brother''.]]
**
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She
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* SneezeOfDoom : And how.
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* SneezeOfDoom : SneezeOfDoom: And how.
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This page is for the book by Creator/KenFollett. For the classic 1950s sci-fi film ''Film/WorldWithoutEnd''.
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This page is for the book by Creator/KenFollett.Ken Follett. For the classic 1950s sci-fi film ''Film/WorldWithoutEnd''.
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* AuthorAppeal: Ken Follett must really like sex. [[TropesAreNotBad Not that there's anything wrong with that]].
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* AuthorAppeal: Ken Follett must really like sex. [[TropesAreNotBad Not that there's anything wrong with that]].that]], but...
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* TitleDrop: During one of Godwyn's prayers.
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* TitleDrop: During one of Godwyn's prayers.[[note]]Said prayer is an actual prayer, titled "Glory Be".[[/note]]
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* NurtureOverNatrue
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* NurtureOverNatrue NurtureOverNature
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* AdaptationalAttractiveness: In the books, Caris is viewed as ordinary and Merin rather odd-looking. In the mini-series Caris is described the most beautiful women of Kingsbridge and Merin is played by the handsome Tom Weston-Jones.
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This page is for the book by Creator/KenFollett. For the classic 1950s sci-fi film ''Film/WorldWithoutEnd''.
The sequel novel to Ken Follett's ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'', set 200 years later in Kingsbridge priory and featuring the descendants of the main characters in the previous novel. The catalyst for the tale begins when a group of children sneak away from festivities at Kingsbridge cathedral on Halloween 1327. The children witness a shocking bit of court intrigue. The main character this time is Merthin, the eldest son of a knight and descendant of Jack Builder from the original book. He's passed over by his father for knighthood and forced to become a builder. He quickly proves to be a prodigy at the trade and, like his ancestor, becomes a leading citizen in his efforts to build the small community into something greater. He must overcome many obstacles to realize his ambitions and earn the hand of his true love, Caris, who happens to be a descendant of Tom Builder from the original book. Merthin must deal with his vaguely familiar JerkAss brother, Ralph. Also featured is a peasant girl who is a good friend of Caris, Gwenda.
This novel shares many tropes with its predecessor, due to similarity in setting, plots, and themes.
A MiniSeries adaptation, aired in the US in November 2012 and the UK in January 2013.
----
!!Tropes associated with World Without End
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph for Philippa
* AbusiveParents: Gwenda's dad won't win any father of the year awards.
* AllMenArePerverts: Ralph, Alan, Bishop Richard, Merthin. Philemon is an inverse example, being completely asexual and having a lust for power.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
* AuthorAppeal: Ken Follett must really like sex. [[TropesAreNotBad Not that there's anything wrong with that]].
* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he propose to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding but when he find out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him know this he refuse to marry a woman he despise.
** Another SubvertedTrope with Gwenda and Wulfric, though she never force him to marry her.
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She seduce him for make him believing he's the father but actually the father is ''his'' brother!]]
* BastardUnderstudy: Godwyn made Philemon this. Going by the ending, Philemon ended up a DirtyCoward rather than a bastard of any type.
* BetaCouple: Gwenda and Wulfric.
* TheBlackDeath: Hits Kingsbridge hard--but not as hard as it might have thanks to Caris.
* BigLittleBrother: Ralph is this to Merthin.
* ButchLesbian: [[spoiler: Mair]] is as much of one as any woman could be in Medieval times.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this at first but she gets better.
* BuryYourGays: [[spoiler: Mair]] dies of the plague, as does [[spoiler: Thomas's]] implied lover. Of course, since it was the Black Death, they were hardly the only ones killed off. [[SubvertedTrope Countered]], somewhat, by [[spoiler: Bishop Henri]], who, by the end of the book, is noted as all but married to his male lover.
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomes poor [[spoiler: gets brutally raped by Ralph]] she even becomes TheWoobie, despite her dickish behaviour.
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among ladies.
* ChristianityIsCatholic: As with the first novel, appropriate, as the Reformation was yet to come.
* CompositeCharacter: A ''huge'' one in the miniseries, as Brother Thomas is also [[spoiler:King Edward II]].
* CorruptChurch: The Priory, under Godwyn and Philemon is rather unholy, to say the least.
* DaddysGirl: Caris is very close to her father.
* DeathOfTheHypotenuse: [[spoiler: After Caris joins the nunnery, Merthin marries another woman, and Caris gets involved in a relationship with another nun. Then TheBlackDeath happens, and they're both single again.]]
* DecoyProtagonist: Given the SameStoryDifferentNames nature of the plot, you might expect Godwyn to fill Prior Philip's shoes as the zealous priory reformer. It turns out he's got more in common with Waleran, and his POV sections fade away as he grows more villainous.
* DespairEventHorizon: When it seems to Caris that she lost everything, she starts to fall into apathy. This is when people realize how badly they need her, leading her to [[EarnYourHappyEnding earn her happy ending]] after all, subverting this trope.
* DoorStopper: Even longer than ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale: Gwenda's plan to make Wulfric love her? Drug him so he's horny, then have sex with him. He resists this, but then she seduces him when he's half-asleep and crazy with grief. Aside from a comment from Caris pondering the morality of these actions, it's treated as perfectly fine, and Gwenda isn't given nearly the bad treatment that Ralph gets for behaving similarly towards her.
* DramaticThunder: When [[spoiler: Godwyn]] appears in the cemetery, only to die moments later.
* EarnYourHappyEnding: Everyone and anyone.
* EverybodyHasLotsOfSex: The characters keep themselves very busy. It's actually a good use of the trope, as the sex scenes are not IkeaErotica and don't overshadow the plot.
* FeudalOverlord: Ralph.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her action have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
* GoodPeopleHaveGoodSex
* GoodIsDumb: Wulfric's not a genius, but he's one of the nicest people in the novel.
* HistoricalFiction: Sir Thomas Langley knows a secret about the real-life murder of King Edward II. Ralph fights at Crecy and saves the life of Edward, the Black Prince. Caris pleads her case to the Black Prince's father, King Edward III. Also HistoricalDomainCharacter.
* HolierThanThou: Godwyn.
* HospitalHottie: Caris is definitely this.
* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing to ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* HundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
* TheImmune: It is stated several times that those who catch the plague and recover never catch it again. Examples include Merthin and Brother Thomas. Then there are some people who seem to be naturally immune, such as Caris and Merthin's daughter Lolla.
* KickedUpstairs: [[spoiler:Philemon]], at the end of the book.
* KilledMidSentence: [[spoiler: Ralph, during an attempt of LukeIAmYourFather to Sam.]]
* LukeIAmYourFather: Rather abruptly subverted with [[spoiler:Ralph, leading to KilledMidSentence]].
* LukeYouAreMyFather: [[spoiler: Gwenda tells Ralph that Sam is his son to avoid him being hanged.]]
* MedievalMorons: Largely [[AvertedTrope averted]]. While many characters are shown to be resistant to new ideas, it is far from a universal trait, and often the people opposing any changes or reforms have something to gain by upholding the status quo.
* MissedTheCall: Saul Whitehead would have been the Prior Philip expy... if Godwyn hadn't gotten to him.
* MissingMom: Caris' mother died in the early chapters.
* MoralityChain: Merthin is a downplayed version of this to Ralph. Ralph only feels shame when he thinks of how his brother would disapprove of his behaviour, but this never actually stops him from committing any evil acts.
* NaughtyNuns / SexyPriest: Many of the priests, monks, and nuns still have sexual relations despite their vows of chastity.
* NunTooHoly: Caris is essentially an agnostic, and not good at following her oaths of chastity and obedience.
* ParentalSubstitute: Aunt Petranilla try to be this to Caris, but she failed.
* PersonalMook: Godwyn has Philemon, and Ralph has Alan Fernhill.
* ThePlague: TheBlackDeath, no less.
* PoliticallyCorrectHistory: Averted with the town of Kingsbridge as a whole, but Caris's views on... well, pretty much ''anything'' would be standard for a twenty-first century, agnostic liberal.
* RagsToRiches: Merthin fills this trope.
* RapeAsDrama: C'mon, Ralph.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: William, Bishop Henri, Mother Cecilia and generally neutral characters who are not personally involved in the conflicts. Nathan Reeve also has elements of this.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''. [[spoiler: He had good reasons for became a monk.]]
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop. Later Philemon also has one.
* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
* SameStoryDifferentNames: This novel and its predecessor share a great many plot points. Both are about a genius architect in Kingsbridge who invents the next stage of architecture, but must overcome countless obstacles impeding his building project and love life. They also both feature a court secret that is introduced in the very beginning and not revealed until close to the end of the story. They both feature a battle scene in which a sympathetic POV character observes and an antagonist POV character fights. Both involve the POV characters asking the king for favors. Both feature as antagonists an evil knight who's fond of rape and a ruthless, power-hungry cleric.
* ScarpiaUltimatum: Done by Ralph to Gwenda. Several times. [[spoiler: Until he gets killed for it.]]
* ShovelStrike: Sam uses one as an ImprovisedWeapon and actually kills his target with it.
* SiblingYinYang: Merthin and Ralph, Philemon and Gwenda, Caris and Alice
* SinisterMinister: Godwyn is not a positive influence on Kingsbridge.
* SituationalSexuality: After becoming a novice nun, [[spoiler: our heroine Caris]] has a fling with another nun. There also several other side-character monks/priests or nuns who have similar relationships, though some of them are indicated to be outright homosexuals rather than situation ones.
* SmugSnake: [[spoiler: Godwyn]] fancies himself a MagnificentBastard, but the plague proves otherwise.
* SneezeOfDoom : And how.
* SpiritedYoungLady: Caris is utterly bright for medieval standards.
* StarCrossedLovers: Caris and Merthin can't catch a break.
* StayInTheKitchen: Caris' nightmare and main reason for refusing marriage.
* SweetPollyOliver: Mair and Caris when they go to France. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] by their fear of what could happen to a pair of unaccompanied women in a warzone.
* TimeSkip: A 10 year skip happens 3 times during the story.
* TitleDrop: During one of Godwyn's prayers.
* TheUnfavorite: Merthin designed a full safe bridge, became a wealthy builder, and made riches unfathomable by most in the town. His father only cares whether or not Ralph becomes a knight again.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph is '''obsessed''' with poor Philippa.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Elizabeth Clerk, being set up as a villain, loses the prioress election to Caris... and is never heard from again.
* WitchHunt: Literally. Caris is forced to become a nun to avoid execution for witchcraft.
----
The sequel novel to Ken Follett's ''Literature/ThePillarsOfTheEarth'', set 200 years later in Kingsbridge priory and featuring the descendants of the main characters in the previous novel. The catalyst for the tale begins when a group of children sneak away from festivities at Kingsbridge cathedral on Halloween 1327. The children witness a shocking bit of court intrigue. The main character this time is Merthin, the eldest son of a knight and descendant of Jack Builder from the original book. He's passed over by his father for knighthood and forced to become a builder. He quickly proves to be a prodigy at the trade and, like his ancestor, becomes a leading citizen in his efforts to build the small community into something greater. He must overcome many obstacles to realize his ambitions and earn the hand of his true love, Caris, who happens to be a descendant of Tom Builder from the original book. Merthin must deal with his vaguely familiar JerkAss brother, Ralph. Also featured is a peasant girl who is a good friend of Caris, Gwenda.
This novel shares many tropes with its predecessor, due to similarity in setting, plots, and themes.
A MiniSeries adaptation, aired in the US in November 2012 and the UK in January 2013.
----
!!Tropes associated with World Without End
* AbhorrentAdmirer: Ralph for Philippa
* AbusiveParents: Gwenda's dad won't win any father of the year awards.
* AllMenArePerverts: Ralph, Alan, Bishop Richard, Merthin. Philemon is an inverse example, being completely asexual and having a lust for power.
* AsTheGoodBookSays: Repeatedly, sometimes to devious ends, as when Godwin convinces the monks to leave the town.
* AuthorAppeal: Ken Follett must really like sex. [[TropesAreNotBad Not that there's anything wrong with that]].
* TheBabyTrap: SubvertedTrope Merthin thinks he impregnated Griselda, so he propose to her, pressed also by her parents for a ShotgunWedding but when he find out that the baby isn't his and everybody but him know this he refuse to marry a woman he despise.
** Another SubvertedTrope with Gwenda and Wulfric, though she never force him to marry her.
** Finally played straight with Philippa and Ralph, although [[spoiler: they're already married. She seduce him for make him believing he's the father but actually the father is ''his'' brother!]]
* BastardUnderstudy: Godwyn made Philemon this. Going by the ending, Philemon ended up a DirtyCoward rather than a bastard of any type.
* BetaCouple: Gwenda and Wulfric.
* TheBlackDeath: Hits Kingsbridge hard--but not as hard as it might have thanks to Caris.
* BigLittleBrother: Ralph is this to Merthin.
* ButchLesbian: [[spoiler: Mair]] is as much of one as any woman could be in Medieval times.
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Lolla is this at first but she gets better.
* BuryYourGays: [[spoiler: Mair]] dies of the plague, as does [[spoiler: Thomas's]] implied lover. Of course, since it was the Black Death, they were hardly the only ones killed off. [[SubvertedTrope Countered]], somewhat, by [[spoiler: Bishop Henri]], who, by the end of the book, is noted as all but married to his male lover.
* BreakTheHaughty: Annete, an arrogant young woman who loves seeing men fighting for her and dumps a good man just because he becomes poor [[spoiler: gets brutally raped by Ralph]] she even becomes TheWoobie, despite her dickish behaviour.
* ChickMagnet: Merthin is very popular among ladies.
* ChristianityIsCatholic: As with the first novel, appropriate, as the Reformation was yet to come.
* CompositeCharacter: A ''huge'' one in the miniseries, as Brother Thomas is also [[spoiler:King Edward II]].
* CorruptChurch: The Priory, under Godwyn and Philemon is rather unholy, to say the least.
* DaddysGirl: Caris is very close to her father.
* DeathOfTheHypotenuse: [[spoiler: After Caris joins the nunnery, Merthin marries another woman, and Caris gets involved in a relationship with another nun. Then TheBlackDeath happens, and they're both single again.]]
* DecoyProtagonist: Given the SameStoryDifferentNames nature of the plot, you might expect Godwyn to fill Prior Philip's shoes as the zealous priory reformer. It turns out he's got more in common with Waleran, and his POV sections fade away as he grows more villainous.
* DespairEventHorizon: When it seems to Caris that she lost everything, she starts to fall into apathy. This is when people realize how badly they need her, leading her to [[EarnYourHappyEnding earn her happy ending]] after all, subverting this trope.
* DoorStopper: Even longer than ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale: Gwenda's plan to make Wulfric love her? Drug him so he's horny, then have sex with him. He resists this, but then she seduces him when he's half-asleep and crazy with grief. Aside from a comment from Caris pondering the morality of these actions, it's treated as perfectly fine, and Gwenda isn't given nearly the bad treatment that Ralph gets for behaving similarly towards her.
* DramaticThunder: When [[spoiler: Godwyn]] appears in the cemetery, only to die moments later.
* EarnYourHappyEnding: Everyone and anyone.
* EverybodyHasLotsOfSex: The characters keep themselves very busy. It's actually a good use of the trope, as the sex scenes are not IkeaErotica and don't overshadow the plot.
* FeudalOverlord: Ralph.
* GodSaveUsFromTheQueen: Queen Isabel, the She-Wolf of France, although she's only mentioned, she's a bright example and her action have a significant impact on the plot. Oh, and have I mentioned this trope is TruthInTelevision?
* GoodPeopleHaveGoodSex
* GoodIsDumb: Wulfric's not a genius, but he's one of the nicest people in the novel.
* HistoricalFiction: Sir Thomas Langley knows a secret about the real-life murder of King Edward II. Ralph fights at Crecy and saves the life of Edward, the Black Prince. Caris pleads her case to the Black Prince's father, King Edward III. Also HistoricalDomainCharacter.
* HolierThanThou: Godwyn.
* HospitalHottie: Caris is definitely this.
* HotterAndSexier: Pretty much, comparing to ThePillarsOfTheEarth.
* TheHouseOfPlantagenet: Edward III.
* HundredYearsWar: The story takes place during this time, and features the Battle of Crecy.
* TheImmune: It is stated several times that those who catch the plague and recover never catch it again. Examples include Merthin and Brother Thomas. Then there are some people who seem to be naturally immune, such as Caris and Merthin's daughter Lolla.
* KickedUpstairs: [[spoiler:Philemon]], at the end of the book.
* KilledMidSentence: [[spoiler: Ralph, during an attempt of LukeIAmYourFather to Sam.]]
* LukeIAmYourFather: Rather abruptly subverted with [[spoiler:Ralph, leading to KilledMidSentence]].
* LukeYouAreMyFather: [[spoiler: Gwenda tells Ralph that Sam is his son to avoid him being hanged.]]
* MedievalMorons: Largely [[AvertedTrope averted]]. While many characters are shown to be resistant to new ideas, it is far from a universal trait, and often the people opposing any changes or reforms have something to gain by upholding the status quo.
* MissedTheCall: Saul Whitehead would have been the Prior Philip expy... if Godwyn hadn't gotten to him.
* MissingMom: Caris' mother died in the early chapters.
* MoralityChain: Merthin is a downplayed version of this to Ralph. Ralph only feels shame when he thinks of how his brother would disapprove of his behaviour, but this never actually stops him from committing any evil acts.
* NaughtyNuns / SexyPriest: Many of the priests, monks, and nuns still have sexual relations despite their vows of chastity.
* NunTooHoly: Caris is essentially an agnostic, and not good at following her oaths of chastity and obedience.
* ParentalSubstitute: Aunt Petranilla try to be this to Caris, but she failed.
* PersonalMook: Godwyn has Philemon, and Ralph has Alan Fernhill.
* ThePlague: TheBlackDeath, no less.
* PoliticallyCorrectHistory: Averted with the town of Kingsbridge as a whole, but Caris's views on... well, pretty much ''anything'' would be standard for a twenty-first century, agnostic liberal.
* RagsToRiches: Merthin fills this trope.
* RapeAsDrama: C'mon, Ralph.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: William, Bishop Henri, Mother Cecilia and generally neutral characters who are not personally involved in the conflicts. Nathan Reeve also has elements of this.
* RetiredBadass: Brother Thomas was a ''knight''. [[spoiler: He had good reasons for became a monk.]]
* RightHandCat: Godwyn's cat Archbishop. Later Philemon also has one.
* RomancingTheWidow: Ralph first approach to Philippa. She doesn't even want to hear about it so he switchs to AndNowYouMustMarryMe level.
* SameStoryDifferentNames: This novel and its predecessor share a great many plot points. Both are about a genius architect in Kingsbridge who invents the next stage of architecture, but must overcome countless obstacles impeding his building project and love life. They also both feature a court secret that is introduced in the very beginning and not revealed until close to the end of the story. They both feature a battle scene in which a sympathetic POV character observes and an antagonist POV character fights. Both involve the POV characters asking the king for favors. Both feature as antagonists an evil knight who's fond of rape and a ruthless, power-hungry cleric.
* ScarpiaUltimatum: Done by Ralph to Gwenda. Several times. [[spoiler: Until he gets killed for it.]]
* ShovelStrike: Sam uses one as an ImprovisedWeapon and actually kills his target with it.
* SiblingYinYang: Merthin and Ralph, Philemon and Gwenda, Caris and Alice
* SinisterMinister: Godwyn is not a positive influence on Kingsbridge.
* SituationalSexuality: After becoming a novice nun, [[spoiler: our heroine Caris]] has a fling with another nun. There also several other side-character monks/priests or nuns who have similar relationships, though some of them are indicated to be outright homosexuals rather than situation ones.
* SmugSnake: [[spoiler: Godwyn]] fancies himself a MagnificentBastard, but the plague proves otherwise.
* SneezeOfDoom : And how.
* SpiritedYoungLady: Caris is utterly bright for medieval standards.
* StarCrossedLovers: Caris and Merthin can't catch a break.
* StayInTheKitchen: Caris' nightmare and main reason for refusing marriage.
* SweetPollyOliver: Mair and Caris when they go to France. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] by their fear of what could happen to a pair of unaccompanied women in a warzone.
* TimeSkip: A 10 year skip happens 3 times during the story.
* TitleDrop: During one of Godwyn's prayers.
* TheUnfavorite: Merthin designed a full safe bridge, became a wealthy builder, and made riches unfathomable by most in the town. His father only cares whether or not Ralph becomes a knight again.
* VillainousCrush: Ralph is '''obsessed''' with poor Philippa.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Elizabeth Clerk, being set up as a villain, loses the prioress election to Caris... and is never heard from again.
* WitchHunt: Literally. Caris is forced to become a nun to avoid execution for witchcraft.
----
