1. Characteristics of a dystopia

2. Ruled by an extremely controlling government
Ruled by an extremely controlling government. The government watches everything, and often encourages citizens to spy on one another.

3. Ruling class pursues wealth and luxury, at the expense of the lower classes that usually do all of the work.

4. Government regularly tells citizens that things like shortages, violence, struggles and forfeited rights are necessary for a better, safer future.

5. Usually there is one strong, very visible leader that everyone is expected to praise and obey 100%. The control of this leader is meant to be permanent, and he or she is presented as trying to save or protect society.

6. Individuality is strongly discouraged or illegal
Individuality is strongly discouraged or illegal. All citizens are expected to be the same.

7. The environment has usually been destroyed, either by a catastrophe or human actions.

8. Propaganda is everywhere
Propaganda is everywhere. Citizens are constantly told that things are better, safer, and more prosperous than ever before. This is in direct contrast to what society is like- little food, rampant poverty, dangerous conditions.

9. There is one common enemy that all struggles are blamed on
There is one common enemy that all struggles are blamed on. This is meant to unite the citizens against an outside force, rather than having them revolt against the government.

10. All media and newspapers are controlled by the government
All media and newspapers are controlled by the government. Anything that is reported is positive and praises the leader and the government. There is no way for the citizens to know what is really going on, beyond what they are told.

11. Saying anything negative about the government is both illegal and very dangerous, and can lead to severe punishment or death.

12. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces, and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”

13. “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces, and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”