Discussion questions for The Three-Body Problem. (These questions cover the first 1/4 of the novel, up until the end of the first session of the Three-Body game.)

1. The Cultural Revolution was a tragic period in China’s recent history. How do you feel about Cixin Liu starting a science fiction novel with a real historical event?

2. Ye Wenjie suffers deeply at the hands of humanity—both her family and she herself are mistreated. Given that, how do you think she would respond to the cruelty she endured? Do you see her as justified in her disillusionment?

3. When the countdown begins for Wang Miao, did you feel there was no way it could have a rational explanation? Or did you trust that the author would eventually provide a logical answer?

4. The Three Body game is initially confusing and disorienting. At this point in the story, how much did you know about the real-world three-body problem in physics? If you were already familiar with it, did you make any connection between the game’s “Chaotic” and “Stable” eras and the physics concept?