Overview of Dystopia
Terminology
Cortical Stack
At birth, every human is given a stack that records memories, skills, and knowledge. Following death, the stack can be removed and placed into a new sleeve.
Resleeving
The process of removing a cortical stack and placing it into a new sleeve/human body
Protectorate
Government which covers most of the universe of which Altered Carbon takes place
Locations
Harlan's World
The primary setting is settled by humans and governed by the ruling family, the Harlans.
Quellist Enclave
A hidden community of rebels who follow the teachings of Quellcrist Falconer. An important location in the resistant against the Protectorate in season 2.
Prime 4
The powerful corporation which manipulates the cortical stack technology and the digital afterlife.
Characters
Takeshi Kovacs
The main protagonist is a former soldier and envoy who has lived for centuries. He is on a quest for truth and justice as he investigates crimes and confronts powerful adversaries
Danica Harlan
Kovacs Adversary and Governor of Harlan's World. She is determined to maintain her family's grip on power at any cost.
Quellcrist Falconer
A revolutionary leader and Kovacs' former mentor and love interest. She is known for her view of the resistance against the Protectorate and influences Kovacs' actions and beliefs throughout the series.
Colonel Ivan Carrera
Leader of the Quellists, a militant faction dedicated to carrying on Quellcrist Falconer's revolutionary legacy
Poe
A sentient AI who assists Kovacs through vast knowledge, hacking abilities, and loyalty.
Trepp
A skilled bounty hunter and former officer of CTAC (Colonial Tactical Assault Corps).
In Altered Carbon Season 2,
After receiving a mysterious message, Takeshi Kovacs is drawn back to his home planet of Harlan's World. Upon his return, he finds the planet in turmoil with tensions escalating. Kovacs' arrival allows him to investigate the murder of a powerful businessman named Jaeger whose death threatens to destabilize the balance of power within Harlan's world. Kovacs finds that Jaeger's death led Kovacs to the investigation of other conspiracies and schemes which spanned for centuries
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Along the way, Kovacs reunites with familiar faces from his past including Quellcrist Falconer. Their reunion is filled with the consequences of their actions. As Kovacs investigates powerful adversaries Jaeger's murder, he allies with individuals such as Trepp and Poe who provide invaluable assistance in uncovering the mystery.
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Kovacs confronts adversaries such as Governor Danica Harlan and Colonel Ivan Carrera as he navigates the landscape of Harlan's World. The season ends with Kovacs having to confront his own past and make difficult choices that will shape the future of Harlan's World and the entire universe.