The process of downloading a stack into a new body. This leads to profound "fluidity of identity," where characters may occupy bodies of different races, genders, or ages.
The narrative serves as a "cautionary tale" about the intersection of technology and humanity: Altered Carbon
Altered Carbon is a seminal cyberpunk narrative, originating as a 2002 novel by Richard K. Morgan and later adapted into a Netflix series. Set in the 25th century, it explores a world where human consciousness—digitized into "cortical stacks"—can be transferred between bodies, or "sleeves," effectively making death a "minor blip" for those who can afford it . Core Concepts and Technology The process of downloading a stack into a new body
Small, disk-like devices implanted at the base of the skull at birth that record a person's DHF (Digital Human Freight), including their personality and memories. Morgan and later adapted into a Netflix series
Permanent death occurs only if the cortical stack is physically destroyed without a remote backup.