In 3 Body Problem, Will Downing is one of the Oxford five who becomes a crucial part of the Staircase Project toward the end.
Will Downing is a sixth-form physics teacher who is suffering from pancreatic cancer in the series. Will has not many days left to live, and he spends days making the most of what he has.
When the discussion of who should be sent to the San-Ti fleet in a probe comes into play, Will becomes the most perfect candidate because of his condition.
Becoming the candidate
The Staircase Project already lacks enough nuclear bombs, and the hibernation rig that can be sent into space weighs over 1 ton. Therefore, they need to send someone under 2 kilograms.
Taking all of this into consideration, Wade plans to send a human brain, not a person. He knows San-Ti will not waste the opportunity to understand humans by destroying the brain, and they will also have the technology to build a body for it.
Wade requires someone who is already dying, making Will a potential candidate. However, his fate could likely have different possible outcomes.
He may end up floating in space forever. Worse, if the San-Ti find him, they will rebuild him, turn him into a program, and use him forever.
After considering all the outcomes, Will chooses to kill himself and become the candidate for the Staircase Project.
Is Will dead?
As planned, Will’s brain is sent into outer space toward the San-Ti fleet. However, a minor complication causes the probe to lose its way, leaving Will floating in space.
While Will is not dead yet, it’s hard to say how long his spaceship will keep floating in space or when his imminent death will come.
Also Read: The Staircase Project in 3 Body Problem explained