Themes

• Conflict between good and evil

• Friendship and unlikely alliances

• Free will versus destiny

• Human nature and morality

• Power of prophecy and fate

• Subversion of religious concepts

• Environmental themes and human impact

Setting

Good Omens is set in contemporary England, primarily in the late 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse, with events centered in Lower Tadfield, a small village in Oxfordshire. This idyllic rural setting serves as the unlikely epicenter for the end of the world, contrasting sharply with the cosmic nature of the plot.

While much of the action takes place in and around Lower Tadfield, the narrative also spans other locations across England. London features prominently, serving as the base of operations for the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. The story occasionally ventures to other parts of the world, including the Middle East, as the characters race to prevent Armageddon.

The novel's setting is not limited to the physical realm, however. It also incorporates elements of Heaven and Hell, though these supernatural domains are often portrayed with a distinctly bureaucratic flavor. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the divine creates a unique backdrop for the story's blend of humor and fantasy, grounding cosmic events in the familiar landscape of modern Britain.

Characters

• Aziraphale: An angel and rare book dealer. Aziraphale is fussy, particular, and fond of fine dining. He has been on Earth since the beginning and formed an unlikely friendship with the demon Crowley. Despite being an angel, Aziraphale has grown quite attached to human ways and is reluctant to see the world end.

• Crowley: A demon who was originally the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Crowley is stylish, sarcastic, and drives a vintage Bentley. Like Aziraphale, he has grown accustomed to life on Earth and doesn't want the Apocalypse to happen. Crowley takes a liking to humanity and often performs small acts of kindness, though he'd never admit it.

• Adam Young: The Antichrist and leader of a gang of children called “The Them.” Adam is an imaginative 11-year-old boy with reality-altering powers he is unaware of. He was switched at birth and raised by normal human parents in the village of Lower Tadfield. As the Apocalypse approaches, Adam must decide whether to embrace his destiny or save the world.

• Anathema Device: A witch and descendant of Agnes Nutter. Anathema is trying to interpret Agnes's prophecies to prevent the end of the world. She is practical and determined in her mission.

• Newton Pulsifer: A bumbling young man who becomes a witchfinder. Newton is well-meaning but prone to disaster, especially around electronics. He joins forces with Anathema to try to avert the Apocalypse.

• Agnes Nutter: A 17th-century witch who wrote the only accurate book of prophecies. Her predictions, while true, are often cryptic and specific.

• Sergeant Shadwell: The last active member of the Witchfinder Army. Shadwell is gruff and eccentric, obsessed with witches and their “nipples."

• Madame Tracy: Shadwell's neighbor, a part-time medium and courtesan with a kind heart.

• The Four Horsepersons: War, Famine, Pollution (replacing Pestilence), and Death. They assemble to bring about the Apocalypse.

• The Them: Adam's gang of friends—Pepper, Wensleydale, and Brian. They unknowingly help Adam shape reality and ultimately prevent Armageddon.

Quick facts

• Good Omens was originally conceived as a parody of Richmal Crompton's William stories, with the working title “William the Antichrist."

• Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett wrote the novel by mailing floppy disks back and forth to each other in 1988.

• Pratchett estimated he wrote about two-thirds of the book, while Gaiman wrote one-third, though they heavily edited each other's work.

• The character names Agnes Nutter and Anathema Device were inspired by real victims of the 1612 Pendle witch trials.

• The US edition of the book contains an extra 700-word section not found in the British version.

• Gaiman and Pratchett had planned a sequel titled 668 - The Neighbor of the Beast, but it was never written.

• Good Omens was nominated for both a World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and a Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1991.

• In 2019, Good Omens was adapted into a miniseries for Amazon Prime Video and BBC Two, starring Michael Sheen as Aziraphale and David Tennant as Crowley.

• A BBC radio adaptation was produced in 2014, with Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett making cameo appearances.

• A film adaptation was in development for years with Terry Gilliam attached to direct, but never materialized due to funding issues.

About the Author

Neil Gaiman (1960-) is one of the most prolific and celebrated fantasy and science fiction authors of our time.  Spanning novels, short stories, graphic novels, and children's books, his writing often blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology to create richly imaginative worlds. Some of his best known works include the novels American Gods, Neverwhere, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane, as well as the children's books Coraline and The Graveyard Book. 

Born in Hampshire, England, Gaiman began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction writing. He shot to fame in the late 1980s with his groundbreaking comic book series, The Sandman. Over his career, Gaiman has received numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards.

In addition to his solo work, Gaiman has collaborated with other notable authors. His partnership with Terry Pratchett produced the beloved apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens in 1990. More recently, Gaiman has found success as a screenwriter and producer, adapting several of his works for film and television, including the TV series based on American Gods and Good Omens.

Terry Pratchett (1948-2105) had his first story published when he was just 13. After leaving school at 17 to become a journalist, he continued writing. He published his first novel, The Carpet People, in 1971 and went on to produce the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Proving early critics wrong, he became one of the UK’s most successful authors, receiving a knighthood in 2009 and seeing many of his books adapted for the screen.