CATEGORY 1: WHAT IS A DYSTOPIA?
This type of society looks perfect on the outside but is deeply flawed underneath.
What is a dystopia?
This is a key feature of dystopian societies where people are closely watched and monitored.
What is surveillance?
This theme shows leaders using power for their own benefit instead of the people’s.
What is abuse of power or corruption?
Many dystopian stories take place in societies set far ahead of our own time.
What is a future society?
This archetype represents the rulers, governments, or corporations in charge.
Who is the oppressor?
The word dystopia literally translates to this kind of place.
What is a bad place?
In dystopian worlds, fear is often used to control people instead of trust. This is known as this.
What is oppression?
This dystopian theme appears when machines or science cause more harm than good.
What is technology gone too far?
This dystopian setting occurs after disasters have destroyed much of civilization.
What is a post-apocalyptic world?
This character is an ordinary person forced to survive within the dystopian system.
Who is the everyman?
Dystopian societies are often the opposite of this type of “perfect” world.
What is a utopia?
Dystopian governments often take away this from individuals.
What is personal freedom?
This theme highlights the division between wealthy elites and struggling citizens.
What is class divide?
Cities in dystopian stories often limit movement, speech, and information. These cities are described as this.
What is a highly controlled city?
This character questions the system and fights against injustice.
Who is the rebel?
These stories are written to warn readers about what could happen if society goes wrong.
What are warnings about the future?
Oppression in dystopias can exist even without a single dictator because it is built into the system.
What is systemic oppression?
Dystopian stories often show environmental damage as a result of this.
What is human greed or neglect?
What is human greed or neglect?
These communities remain cut off from the outside world to maintain control.
What are isolated communities?
This character accepts the rules and does not challenge authority.
Who is the conformist?
Dystopian literature is more than entertainment because it encourages readers to do this.
What is question society or authority?
When a society enforces “perfection,” this important human quality is often lost.
What is compassion?
This theme focuses on the battle between reality and false information.
What is truth versus lies?
These settings often exist to make control easier and rebellion harder.
What are closed or restricted societies?
This character gives in to fear or power and often turns against others.
Who is the betrayer?