Life Plug is a philosophical science fiction novel that uses the premise of a computer simulation to explore themes of free will, purpose, trauma, and the nature of love in a world where reality itself is programmed.
The story is set primarily within a computer simulation where Franco, a “gifted” programmer, believes his telekinetic and time manipulating abilities are extraordinary, making him a powerful figure. He is engaged to Page, a pessimistic, “ordinary” woman who feels her life is purposeless. Franco, who uses his programming gifts for pleasure, clashes with Page’s desire for traditional commitment and religion. The climax occurs when both characters wake up outside the simulation, only to discover the “real world” is a post nuclear desert, and Franco’s gifts were merely programming within the simulated environment. Worse, Page wakes up during a sexual assault by one of the abusive “controllers” managing the system. The couple must then escape the controllers with the help of real- world allies like Cass and Finn, grappling with the devastating realization that their entire existence was a lie and their trauma is horrifically real.
What is the significance of Franco’s abilities turning out to be simple programming rather than true “gifts”? How does this realization impact his identity and his relationship with Page?
The simulation is described as “Eden.” What does this name suggest about the intent of the “controllers” versus the reality of their abuse?
The “real world” is a desert after a nuclear war. How does the nature of the external world, bleak and post-apocalyptic, influence the ethics of the controllers who created the simulation? Does a harsh reality justify creating a false one?
Franco’s cynical colleague, Adam, predicts that Franco will eventually conjure women for sex after marriage. How does the possession of ultimate power within the simulation corrupt personal morality and relationships?
Page is a pessimist who feels her life is purposeless, while Franco is an optimist who enjoys life. How do these opposing worldviews reflect their respective roles (programmer vs. “tenner”) in the simulation?
Page’s immediate realization that their life was a computer simulation is devastating, especially as she wakes up during a sexual assault by a controller. How does this specific trauma shape her perspective on their love and her faith after exiting the system?
Page insists on waiting for marriage due to her religious beliefs, even in a world that turns out to be fake. Does her faith prove to be futile or is it a necessary psychological anchor in the face of chaos?
After the trauma of escaping, Franco and Page must rely on real world allies like Cass and Finn. How do these alliances underscore the necessity of human connection, even after the betrayal of their entire reality?
The “controllers” who manage the simulation are revealed to be abusive. What is the ethical implication of creating and managing sentient life only to treat it as a resource or a plaything?
Brock, a real world worker, confirms he helped “create the surroundings in the computer.” Should those who simply design the environment be held morally accountable for the abuse perpetrated by the “controllers”?
Philosophical Debate: Debate the implications of the simulation being real. If you discovered your entire life was a lie but you were happy, would you want to know the truth?
Character Journal: Write a journal entry from Page’s perspective immediately after she wakes up and is being dragged back into the building. Focus on her feelings about her lost memories, her trauma, and the lie of her engagement to Franco.
