ideas for dystopian novels

One idea could be a world where technology has taken over so much that people have lost their basic human emotions. The government uses advanced AI to control every aspect of people's lives, from their jobs to their relationships. Another idea is a society divided by a strict genetic hierarchy, where those with 'inferior' genes are treated as second - class citizens and are forced to do the most menial jobs. A third idea could be a world after a major environmental disaster, where the remaining resources are so scarce that people have to fight each other for survival, and a powerful corporation controls all the remaining clean water and food sources.

How about a world where everyone has to wear a device that monitors their thoughts? The slightest hint of dissent and they are immediately sent to 're - education' camps. The main character manages to find a way to disable the device and begins to spread the knowledge of how to do it, creating a subversive movement.

One idea could be a world where people are ranked by their genetic purity. The government controls every aspect of life, and those with 'imperfect' genes are relegated to slums and used for menial labor. The protagonist, a person with a hidden genetic defect, discovers a resistance movement aiming to overthrow this discriminatory regime.

In a dystopian short story, you could have a society where water is extremely scarce. The rich hoard all the clean water, and the poor are left to fight over the little that remains. The main character is a young girl who tries to find a hidden water source that is rumored to exist, facing many dangers along the way. It could show the extreme inequality and desperation in such a world.

A dystopian story could be set in a world where dreams are commodified. People are forced to sell their good dreams to the rich, who use them for entertainment. The poor are left with only nightmares. The main character might be a dream merchant who starts to question this system when he realizes the toll it's taking on people's mental health.

A world where the sun has become so intense that people are forced to live underground all the time. The surface is a scorched, uninhabitable wasteland. Only the very rich can afford the technology to somewhat regulate the temperature above ground for short periods.

In a post - apocalyptic dystopian novel, you could have a world where a nuclear war has made large parts of the earth uninhabitable. The remaining people live in domed cities that are highly polluted and overcrowded. There is a strict rationing system for food and resources, and those who break the rules are exiled to the radioactive wastelands outside. Or perhaps a world where a supervolcano has erupted, covering the sky with ash and causing a global winter. People have to struggle to grow food in the freezing conditions and are constantly at risk of starvation. Also, a post - apocalyptic world where an alien invasion has decimated the human population, and the survivors are used as slaves by the aliens.

A society where emotions are regulated by drugs. Everyone is required to take pills that keep their emotions in check. But a few start to question this system when they realize they are losing their true selves. It can explore themes of individuality and freedom.

One idea could be a world where all forms of art are banned. The government believes that art stirs up emotions and individuality which they see as a threat. People live in a colorless, monotonous existence with no music, paintings or literature to inspire them. This would lead to a society where people are more like drones, following orders without question as they have no creative outlet to express their true selves.

A world where language is restricted. Only a certain set of words and phrases are allowed to be used. This is a way for the ruling class to limit people's thoughts and communication. People can't express complex ideas or emotions because the words simply don't exist in their vocabulary. It would lead to a very simplistic and controlled society, where any form of rebellion or new thought is stifled from the very start because there are no words to convey it.