larry niven time travel story

One main theme is often the consequences of meddling with time. In Niven's stories, changing the past can lead to unexpected and often disastrous results in the present or future. For example, a small alteration in a historical event might cause a ripple effect that completely changes the course of civilization.

One memorable character could be the protagonist from a particular story who is initially excited about the prospects of time travel but then realizes the great responsibility it entails. He has to make difficult decisions about whether to use his knowledge of the future or past to his advantage or to protect the integrity of the timeline.

One of the best is 'Ringworld'. It features a huge, artificial ring-shaped world orbiting a star. The concept is mind - boggling and the story is filled with adventure and interesting alien species.

'Protector' is also among his best. It features a very interesting take on evolution and what it means to be a protector of a species. The main character's transformation and his journey through the story are both thought - provoking and exciting.

Larry Niven's 'the jigsaw man' is a short story that probably delves into a complex character study. The title 'the jigsaw man' gives an impression of a fragmented or complex entity. It might be set in a science - fiction or speculative future where the man has to face challenges that are as intricate as solving a jigsaw puzzle. There could be elements of mystery, discovery, and self - realization as the character navigates through the story's world. Niven might use this character to explore themes such as identity, purpose, or the relationship between the individual and the society in which he exists.

Well, 'The Soft Weapon' is among the top. It has an interesting plot where an alien weapon with unique properties is discovered. 'At the Core' is also a notable one. It delves into the mysteries of a planet's core and what might be found there. And 'The Borderland of Sol' is quite good too, dealing with the idea of the outer regions of our solar system and potential encounters there. There are other great ones too, but these are some that come to mind quickly.

One of his well - known works is 'Ringworld'. It presents a really imaginative concept of a huge, artificial ring - shaped world. Another great one is 'Known Space' series which is full of unique alien species and fascinating technological ideas.

One possible theme could be identity. Since it's called 'the jigsaw man', it might be about the character trying to figure out who he is, like putting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

In 'Ringworld', Louis Wu is a central character. He is an adventurer who embarks on the journey to explore the Ringworld. He's intelligent and adaptable, which helps him in the various challenges he faces in that strange world.

Larry Niven's influence on science fiction is far - reaching. His ability to build vast and detailed fictional universes, like in the 'Known Space' series, has given other writers a model to follow. He has popularized the idea of exploring the consequences of extreme scientific and technological changes. For example, in 'Ringworld', the concept of a massive, engineered world challenges our understanding of planetary structures and habitation. This kind of thinking has seeped into the genre, inspiring new generations of science - fiction writers to push the boundaries of their own fictional creations.