Reltem
Reltem is a fictional character and central figure in the 2007 science fiction novel *The Windup Girl* by Paolo Bacigalupi. Set in a dystopian future where genetic engineering and climate change have drastically altered the world, Reltem is a genetically engineered "New Person" created by the Thai government to serve as a companion for the elderly and infirm. New Persons are designed to be docile, obedient, and emotionally attuned to human needs, making them ideal for caregiving roles.
Reltem’s origins lie in the controversial "New Person" program, which aims to address labor shortages and aging
The novel explores themes of human identity, ethics, and the consequences of unchecked genetic experimentation. Reltem’s
While Reltem is not a protagonist in the traditional sense, her presence underscores the novel’s critique of