In a world where it was impolite to ask your neighbor the time of day, I was rudeness incarnate.
-- Conrad Metcalf (narration) (chapter 1.2)

Importance: At first, one of the most striking elements of the novel’s dystopian setting is that it is generally illegal to ask questions. This stricture was likely designed to help the government quash dissent and inquiry against its control. Only government-sanctioned inquisitors are allowed to ask questions. As a licensed private inquisitor, Metcalf uses his inquisitive powers to seek truth and justice in resistance to established powers.

It was a formality—it said the case against you was all but sewn up, and they were going to let you roam the streets for a day or two more, a walking advertisement for the system.
-- Conrad Metcalf (narration) (chapter 1.2)

Importance: This line of narration appears after Metcalf sees that Orton Angwine has zero karma points. The novel presents the karma points system as not only a way...