Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Summary

In a world devastated by a global war, Earth is left radioactive and barely livable. The few humans that remain, classified as either "regulars" or "specials", are incentivized by the U.N. to emigrate to other planets by being provided android servants. Owning an animal is a distinction of high status due to their near extinction. The inhabitants of Earth partake in a ritual known as fusion, through which they share physical and emotional experiences via "empathy boxes" with a figure named Mercer, forming a belief system known as Mercerism.

Life on the colony planets is grim, particularly for the android servants who often resort to murdering their owners to escape to Earth, blending in with human beings. To combat this, bounty hunters are employed to find and "retire" these rogue androids. Rick Deckard, a San Francisco bounty hunter, is assigned to hunt down six escaped androids after a colleague is gravely injured. But before he can pursue, he is ordered to confirm the effectiveness of a test used to distinguish humans from newer, more advanced androids.

During his visit to the Rosen Association, manufacturers of the most lifelike androids, Rick is tricked into questioning the reliability of the test by the president's supposed niece, Rachael, and her uncle. Despite numerous hurdles and diversions, including a romantic encounter with Rachael, Rick successfully retires the rogue androids. But the victory leaves him feeling hollow, especially after the revelation that Mercerism is a hoax and Rachael's revenge by killing his newly purchased goat. Despite his disillusionment, he discovers a presumed extinct toad, which turns out to be a replica, a symbol of hope in his dystopian world.