Sleeper
The term "Sleeper" is initially derivative from that of "Sleeper Agent"; an Agent who has infiltrated into a country and 'gone to sleep', sometimes for many years. That is, he or she does nothing to communicate with his or her sponsor or any existing agents, nor to obtain information beyond that in public sources. They can also be referred to as 'deep cover' agents. They acquire jobs and identities—ideally ones which will prove useful in the future—and attempt to blend into everyday life as normal citizens.
Over the years fiction has introduced the idea of the more idealized “Sleeper Agent”, one who is oblivious to the fact they are an agent. This is usually accomplished by some form of mind control often converting a loyal citizen into an unwitting agent. One of the earliest examples of this being Richard Condon's 1959 novel, The Manchurian Candidate.
Eventually the idea of a "Sleeper" came to refer to anyone/thing made oblivious to its own purpose/nature.
In context to an android, this usually means one that thinks it’s human and may even have false memories. Androids of this type usually have subliminal and/or overriding control programs to ensure they perform their intended functions and/or remain oblivious regardless of experiences or self-image.
This situation is not to be confused with gynoids such as Call from Alien: Resurrection, who are aware of their true nature though it may not be revealed to the viewer/reader or other characters.
Examples in fiction
- Wendy from The Outer Limits episode "Glitch".
- Rayna from the Star Trek episode "Requiem for Methuselah".
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