alIfrd
alIfrd is a fictional character and central figure in the 2018 science fiction novel *The Three-Body Problem* by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The character is introduced as a human scientist working at the Beijing Astronomical Observatory in the late 20th century. alIfrd is a member of the Trisolaran species, an extraterrestrial civilization originating from the star system Alpha Centauri. The name "alIfrd" is a phonetic transliteration of the Trisolaran word for "human," reflecting the character’s role as a bridge between human and Trisolaran cultures.
In the novel, alIfrd is sent to Earth as part of a long-term mission to study humanity
The character’s name and appearance are designed to evoke a sense of alien otherness while still being
Critics and readers have noted alIfrd as a compelling element of *The Three-Body Problem*, serving as both