Dystopian notes

Utopia

a place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions

Dystopia

a futuristic universe, oppressive in social control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Worst-case scenario and makes criticism about present day

What are characteristics of a dystopia?

propaganda used to control citizens

information independent thought, and freedom are restricted

a figurehead or concept is worshiped by the citizens of society

citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance

citizens have a fear of the outside world

citizens live in a dehumanized state

the natural world is banished or distrusted

citizens conform to uniform expectations

individuality and dissent are bad

society is an allusion of a perfect society

corporate control

one or more large corporations control society through products, advertising and/or the media

bureaucratic control

society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent govt. officials

technological control

society is controlled by technology, through computers, robots, and/or scientific means

philosophical/religious control

society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology, often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic govt.

What are characteristics of a dystopian protag?

feels trapped and struggling to escape

questions the existing social and political systems

believes/feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which they live

helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world thought their perspective

Self-Preventing Prophecy

imagined future is nightmarish, worst-case scenarios that are destined to become reality

Sci-Fi definition

a plot about science and tech of the future relationships with principles of science The plot creates situations different from those of both present and known past, including a human element explaining what effect new discoveries/happenings/developments will have on us in the future