-In the distant future overpopulation has become a problem. -People are ranked based on social status: The richer and more influential can freely have children. The lower down at most can have one. -Story revolves around a man who has one too many children. After being caught trying to hide it he is sent to a prison in the capital tower (really really big) -A rebellion is enacted somehow and the head of the rebellion is now the supreme leader. -He is killed by his second in command who gets caught and locked up. The rebellion realizes they need someone who isn’t in the pecking order but can be trusted. That is main character. -He finds the country in ruin due to no space for people. Not enough space for job buildings like food and markets so not enough jobs so not enough money. -Constantly refuses any form of population control. A board on the wall shows the current population.