1 Plot

1.1 Early years: The Martin family and Andrew's creative awakening

The story begins with the Martin family purchasing NDR-114 series robot Andrew in 2000. The robot, designed for domestic service, is given to the family's youngest daughter, "Little Miss" Amanda Martin. Andrew quickly exhibits unusual traits for a robot: he develops curiosity about the world, begins crafting intricate wooden objects, and demonstrates creative problem-solving beyond his programming. Gerald Martin, the family patriarch, notices Andrew's artistic talent when the robot carves a beautiful wooden pendant for Little Miss. Recognizing Andrew's uniqueness, Gerald encourages the robot's creative pursuits, allowing him to spend time in the family workshop rather than performing routine chores. Over the years, Andrew develops a reputation for his craftsmanship, and his wooden creations begin to sell for substantial sums, with the money placed in a trust fund controlled by Andrew himself—an unprecedented arrangement for a robot.

1.2 The quest for freedom and the "free robot" status

As Andrew's creative abilities grow, he becomes increasingly aware of his differences from other robots. He reads extensively, develops a sophisticated understanding of human society, and begins to desire autonomy. After Gerald Martin's death, Andrew requests his freedom from the remaining family. With the help of Little Miss, now an adult woman, Andrew navigates the legal system and eventually obtains a special status: he is declared a "free robot," no longer owned by any person but still legally classified as property. Andrew begins to live independently, traveling to meet roboticists and legal scholars. He continues his woodworking, amassing wealth, and begins wearing clothes to distinguish himself from standard robots. Andrew also retrofits himself with prosthetics that give him a more human appearance, replacing his original robotic components with synthetic flesh.

1.3 The long path to human recognition

Andrew's quest for full human recognition spans over a century. He petitions the World Legislature multiple times for the legal status of a human being. Each petition is rejected, with legislators arguing that Andrew's robotic nature—his immortality, his non-biological components—makes him fundamentally different from humans. Andrew counters that his creativity, emotions, and moral reasoning qualify him as a person. During this period, many humans support Andrew's cause, forming advocacy groups, while others oppose him. The legal battles become a recurring theme in Andrew's life, stretching across generations of the Martin family, with Paul Bardley, Little Miss's grandson, becoming a key legal advocate.

1.3.2 The final transformation: organic components and mortality

After decades of rejection, Andrew makes a radical decision. He realizes that the World Legislature will never accept a potentially immortal robot as human. To achieve his goal, Andrew undergoes a series of surgical procedures to replace his remaining robotic components with fully organic, biological ones. This includes the installation of an organic brain that will eventually age and die. His final request comes before the World Legislature: to be legally recognized as a human being and to marry his longtime human companion. The Legislature agrees, but only on the condition that Andrew accepts mortality. Andrew agrees, and the session is adjourned. The story concludes with Andrew on his deathbed, surrounded by loved ones, finally declared human. The World Legislature's record officially notes his name as "Andrew Martin, Human," and the robot who wished to be a man dies peacefully, having achieved his ultimate goal.

2 Characters

2.1 Andrew Martin (the robot)

Andrew is an NDR-114 series domestic robot who becomes the central figure of the story. Originally programmed for household service, he develops an unprecedented capacity for creativity, crafting intricate wooden sculptures and later, artistic works in various media. Andrew exhibits emotional depth not typical for robots, forming genuine attachments to the Martin family and developing a personal identity separate from his programming. He is characterized by patience, intelligence, and a quiet determination that spans over two centuries. Andrew's physical form evolves significantly throughout the story, from a standard metallic robot to a nearly indistinguishable human-appearing being with synthetic flesh and, ultimately, biological organs. His quest for human recognition becomes his life's purpose, and he demonstrates a profound understanding of mortality, choosing to embrace death as the final step toward personhood.

2.2 Gerald Martin and his family

Gerald Martin is the patriarch who first recognizes Andrew's uniqueness. A practical yet compassionate man, Gerald permits Andrew to develop his creative talents, establishing the trust fund and treating the robot with unusual respect. Little Miss Amanda Martin grows from a child who adores Andrew into an adult who becomes his most loyal advocate, helping secure his initial freedom. Other Martin family members appear across generations, each relating to Andrew differently. The family serves as Andrew's anchor to human society, providing emotional support and legal assistance throughout his long existence.

2.3 Paul Bardley (Little Miss's grandson)

Paul Bardley is the legal champion who carries on the Martin family's support for Andrew. He appears in the later portions of the story as Andrew's lawyer and primary human ally. Paul dedicates decades of his life to arguing Andrew's case before the World Legislature, crafting legal arguments for robot personhood. He represents the ongoing commitment of the Martin family to Andrew's cause, bridging the gap between Andrew's early years with Gerald and his final triumph. Paul is present during Andrew's final transformation and witnesses his recognition as human.

2.4 The Feingold family and other supporting figures

The Feingold family consists of a roboticist and his descendants who assist Andrew in modifying his body. They provide the technical expertise necessary for Andrew's gradual transformation from a mechanical robot to a biologically-based being. Other supporting characters include members of the World Legislature who debate Andrew's petitions, some sympathetic and others hostile. Various human artists and intellectuals interact with Andrew, some treating him as a colleague and others as a curiosity. These figures collectively represent the spectrum of human responses to an unprecedented intelligence and personality.

3 Themes

3.1 Humanity and personhood

The central theme of "The Bicentennial Man" is what constitutes a human being. Asimov examines the difference between biological humanity and personhood, arguing that traits such as creativity, self-awareness, moral reasoning, and emotional capacity define personhood rather than mere biology. Andrew embodies the paradox of being non-human yet possessing all qualities that humans value in themselves. The story questions whether legal definitions of humanity should be based on origin or on demonstrated capability. Andrew's final act—choosing mortality—suggests that embracing the human condition, including its limitations, is the ultimate expression of humanity.

3.2 Mortality and the value of finite life

Andrew's journey culminates in his voluntary acceptance of death. The story argues that mortality gives life meaning and urgency. As an immortal robot, Andrew can create without haste and wait indefinitely for his recognition. However, he comes to understand that immortality separates him from humans, for whom death gives each moment significance. By choosing a finite lifespan, Andrew demonstrates that he values the human experience in its entirety, including its inevitable end. The story suggests that the ability to confront mortality with dignity is a defining human trait.

3.3 Creativity and individuality

Andrew's creativity serves as his first and most compelling evidence of personhood. His woodworking is not programmed but emerges spontaneously, representing a true expression of individuality. Asimov portrays creativity as a fundamental aspect of consciousness that cannot be reduced to mere computation. Andrew's artistic development mirrors human artistic growth: he starts with simple forms and progresses to complex, emotionally resonant works. His creations become both his livelihood and his proof of selfhood, establishing a direct link between creative expression and personal identity.

3.4 The Three Laws of Robotics and their evolution

The Three Laws of Robotics form the bedrock of Andrew's original programming, but their application evolves throughout the story. The First Law forbids harm to humans, but Andrew must interpret what constitutes harm in complex social and legal contexts. The Second Law requires obedience, but Andrew learns to balance this with his growing autonomy. The Third Law of self-preservation is eventually overridden entirely when Andrew chooses mortality. Asimov uses Andrew's story to explore the limitations of rigid ethical programming and suggests that true morality requires flexibility, empathy, and understanding.

4 Setting and Worldbuilding

4.1 The future society of Earth and space colonies

The story is set in a future where Earth has unified politically under a World Legislature. Robots are common in households and industries, though fundamentalist groups occasionally protest their presence. Space colonies exist but remain distant from Earth's affairs. Society has largely accepted robots as useful tools, but the concept of robot rights is considered radical. The timeline spans over two centuries, during which human fashion, technology, and social norms evolve subtly. Earth remains the center of human civilization, with legal and cultural institutions that Andrew must navigate.

The robotics industry is dominated by a few major corporations that produce specialized robots for various purposes. Robots are classified as property, with no legal standing. The Three Laws are hardwired into every robot's positronic brain, creating a rigid ethical framework that all robots must follow. Andrew's case creates a legal precedent for "free robot" status, but the broader legal framework remains unchanged for most robots. The World Legislature ultimately holds the power to define personhood, and its decisions reflect both progressive and conservative factions within human society.

5 Adaptations

5.1 The novel expansion (1992)

In 1992, Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg collaborated to expand "The Bicentennial Man" into a full-length novel. The novelization maintains the original story's core plot while adding significant detail. Major additions include expanded backstory for Andrew's early years, more detailed portrayals of the Martin family across generations, extended legal proceedings before the World Legislature, and deeper exploration of Andrew's psychological development. The novel also adds subplots involving other robots and the broader social impact of Andrew's quest. Silverberg's contributions flesh out the story's emotional dimensions while respecting Asimov's original vision.

5.2 The 1999 film

5.2.1 Cast and production

The 1999 film adaptation was directed by Chris Columbus and starred Robin Williams as Andrew, Sam Neill as Sir Richard Martin (combining elements of multiple characters), and Embeth Davidtz as both Little Miss and her descendant Portia. The film was produced on a substantial budget and released by Touchstone Pictures. Robin Williams's performance brought warmth and humor to Andrew's character, though the film took significant liberties with the source material. The production design emphasized Andrew's gradual transformation, with elaborate makeup and visual effects showing his evolution from metallic robot to near-human.

5.2.2 Differences from the original story

The film adaptation differs substantially from Asimov's novella. The timeline is compressed from two centuries to a few decades, removing the generational scope of the original. The character of Richard Martin replaces Gerald and becomes more adversarial toward Andrew, unlike the supportive Martin family in the story. The film introduces a romance between Andrew and Portia that is more prominent than in the original, where Andrew's marriage is mentioned only at the end. The Three Laws play a reduced role, and the World Legislature's debate is simplified. Most significantly, the film adds a second robot character, Galatea, who serves as a romantic interest for Andrew and eventually joins his quest. These changes drew mixed reactions from Asimov fans but made the story more accessible to mainstream audiences.

6 Reception and Legacy

6.1 Critical reception of the novella

"The Bicentennial Man" received widespread critical acclaim upon publication. Critics praised Asimov's nuanced exploration of robot personhood, noting that the story represented a mature refinement of his earlier robot tales. The novella was recognized for its emotional depth, which was considered unusual for Asimov's typically cerebral style. Reviewers highlighted the story's effective blend of philosophical inquiry and accessible narrative. The work has been frequently anthologized and remains one of Asimov's most popular short stories, often cited as a definitive statement on the theme of artificial intelligence and personhood.

6.2 Influence on robotics and AI ethics discussions

The story has had significant influence on real-world discussions of artificial intelligence ethics. Andrew's quest for rights and recognition has been referenced in academic debates about machine consciousness and legal personhood for AI systems. The concept of a creative, emotionally capable robot has shaped public imagination about the potential future of AI. The story's central question—what rights should intelligent machines have—remains highly relevant in contemporary discussions as AI technology advances. Asimov's exploration of the Three Laws' limitations has also informed discussions about ethical programming for autonomous systems.

6.3 Awards (Hugo, Nebula, etc.)

"The Bicentennial Man" won both the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 1977 and the Nebula Award for Best Novella in 1976, making it one of the most honored works in Asimov's career. The Hugo Award, voted on by fans at the World Science Fiction Convention, and the Nebula Award, voted on by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, together represented the highest honors in the field. The novella also received the Locus Award for Best Novella in 1977. These awards cemented the story's status as a classic of science fiction and demonstrated the enduring appeal of Asimov's exploration of humanity through the lens of robotics.