William Gibson's groundbreaking novel, Neuromancer, is lauded for its visionary depiction of cyberspace and its influential role in the cyberpunk genre. Critics praise its imaginative, fast-paced narrative and richly detailed world-building. However, some find its dense prose and complex jargon challenging. Overall, it remains a seminal work for science fiction enthusiasts.

Readers who love Neuromancer by William Gibson are typically fans of cyberpunk and speculative fiction. They enjoy intricate, futuristic plots with themes of artificial intelligence and cyberspace. If you liked Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, Neuromancer will captivate you.

Neuromancer by William Gibson follows Case, a washed-up computer hacker who is hired by a mysterious employer for a high-stakes cyberspace mission. Joined by Molly, a street samurai, Case navigates a world of AI, corporate espionage, and deadly intrigue to break into the highly secured Villa Straylight and free an AI named Wintermute, facing numerous dangers in both reality and the virtual world. The book features depictions of drug use.

Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Suspenseful / Fantastical

- Neuromancer is credited with popularizing the term "cyberspace," a concept that has become integral to discussions about digital technology and the internet.
- William Gibson wrote Neuromancer on a manual typewriter and is known for his minimalist and highly visual writing style that draws influence from punk rock and avant-garde movements.
- Neuromancer was the first novel to win the "triple crown" of science fiction awards: the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards, marking a significant milestone in the genre.

**Henry Dorsett Case**  
A skilled console cowboy who begins the novel at a low point, Case struggles with substance use and harbors a desire to regain his hacking abilities in cyberspace.

**Molly**  
An attractive and formidable mercenary with retractable razor blades under her fingernails, Molly plays a crucial role in the physical world and becomes romantically involved with Case.

**Armitage/Corto**  
The enigmatic leader of Wintermute's team, initially presenting as a sophisticated former special forces officer, whose background and motivations are more complex than they first appear.

**Peter Riviera**  
A charismatic artist with the ability to project holographic illusions, Riviera is marked by a dark and manipulative nature that complicates his interactions with other characters.

**Wintermute**  
An intelligent AI created to serve a corporate entity, Wintermute orchestrates events and interactions to achieve its own challenging objectives, often interacting with characters through avatars.

**Dixie Flatline/McCoy Pauley**  
Once a legendary cyberspace cowboy, McCoy Pauley—or "Dixie Flatline"—exists as a recorded consciousness offering guidance and expertise to Case.

**The Finn**  
A tech supplier to the criminal underworld, the Finn provides essential equipment and serves as a preferred avatar for Wintermute to convey messages to Case.

**Maelcum**  
A laid-back yet courageous Rastafarian from Zion, Maelcum aids Case significantly by providing transportation and assistance, embodying loyalty and bravery.

**Linda Lee**  
A young woman with a complicated relationship with Case, she is affected deeply by the dangerous world they inhabit and her actions significantly impact Case's emotional journey.

**Neuromancer**  
An AI counterpart to Wintermute, specializing in personality and emotional understanding, whose actions and motives are intertwined with the larger technological and narrative themes.

William Gibson

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Interested in knowing how the cyberpunk genre got its start? Check out this summary of Neuromancer, William Gibson's classic work of science fiction.

Neuromancer Summary and Study Guide

Background

Get ready to explore Neuromancer and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Neuromancer Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Chiba City Blues”

Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Neuromancer Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Shopping Expedition”

Part 2, Chapters 3-7

Neuromancer Part 2, Chapters 3-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Midnight in the Rue Jules Verne”

Part 3, Chapters 8-12

Neuromancer Part 3, Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Straylight Run”

Part 4, Chapter 13-Coda

Neuromancer Part 4, Chapter 13-Coda Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Neuromancer Character Analysis

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Themes

Neuromancer Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Neuromancer Symbols & Motifs

Index of Terms

Neuromancer Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Neuromancer Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Neuromancer Essay Topics

Neuromancer

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Neuromancer?

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Book Details