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Last and First Men · Character

The Sixteenth Men

A later human species mentioned in the future history, part of the sequence of evolving humanity.

minor

Also known as the Sixteenth Men, the Sixteenth

First appearance: XV: The Last Men

The Sixteenth Men shows up with force in Humanity on Venus. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Mentioned as the species that harpooned the seal-men out of existence, though not a focus of the chapter.
In the storyHumanity on VenusOpen this moment free

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In Humanity on Venus: Mentioned as the species that harpooned the seal-men out of existence, though not a focus of the chapter. Later, in I: Taking Root Again: The narrator, who is one of the Last Men, recounts this…

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The fuller portrait of The Sixteenth Men sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Sixteenth Men in XV: The Last Men

Character Web

1 connection

A slice of how The Sixteenth Men sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

TNThe NarratorTSThe Sixteenth Men

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Nations, Concepts, and Later Humans
  • Earth's Human Succession

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

The emotional peak occurs when the Fifth Men, having achieved profound self-awareness and intimacy over millen…

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In the story

The Sixteenth Men appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Sixteenth Men unlock in the free preview.

See The Sixteenth Men in XV: The Last Men
Who is The Sixteenth Men in Last and First Men?