YW
Ye Wenjie
An astrophysicist whose experiences during China’s Cultural Revolution shape decisions affecting the whole planet.
ClearStory · NETFLIX · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 1
3 BODY PROBLEM
Countdown
The setup
The story moves between China in the 1960s and present-day Britain. Scientists are dying, particle experiments no longer make sense, and nanotechnology researcher Auggie Salazar begins seeing an impossible countdown.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
8 peopleThe only names you need
VY
Vera Ye
Ye Wenjie’s daughter and the Oxford Five’s former physics professor, whose death begins the present-day mystery.
AS
Auggie Salazar
A nanotechnology pioneer and one of the Oxford Five, frightened by a countdown only she can see.
JC
Jin Cheng
A theoretical physicist and member of the Oxford Five who receives an impossibly advanced game headset.
SD
Saul Durand
A gifted but unmotivated physics researcher and member of the Oxford Five; close to Auggie and Will.
JR
Jack Rooney
A wealthy snack-food entrepreneur and former physicist in the Oxford Five.
WD
Will Downing
A physics teacher and friend of the Oxford group.
DS
Clarence ‘Da’ Shi
An observant investigator examining scientist deaths and unexplained technology.
WHILE WATCHING
Recap as you go
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AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
Hidden because this section reveals Episode 1.
Content note: Violence, strong language, death, suicide themes and distress, political persecution and a fatal beating.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for 3 Body Problem. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Netflix or the programme’s creators. No official images, logos or programme artwork are used.