The main character, Abelard Lindsay, is born in the ancient lunar colony Mare Serenitatis Circumlunar Corporate Republic, into a family of aristocratic Mechanists, but after being sent to the Shaper's Ring … Se mere

• Abelard Malcolm Tyler Lindsay: Naturally born in a Mechanist society, Lindsay undergoes an experimental intensive Shaper diplomatic training that gives him an enhanced capability for manipulation … Se mere

• Humanity: Though the Earth remains a human civilization, those that colonised the rest of the Solar System have used technology and genetic engineering to such a degree that … Se mere

Abelard Lindsays' travels in the book mirrors the expanding colonisation of the Solar System.
• Circumlunar Space Stations (Concatenates): a … Se mere

• Shapers: Group that alters the body through genetic modification and specialized mental training. They originate from the colonies … Se mere

• Preservationism: Contends that technology is destroying the essence of humanity. Places strict limits on anti-human technologies, advocates study of human art and … Se mere

Dave Langford reviewed Schismatrix for White Dwarf #77, and stated that "Besides being highly exciting and crammed with ingenious ideas, … Se mere