The interdependence of the major aspects of Whipping Star make it a tightly constructed novel. The premise is that stars are parts of a form of intelligent life that transcends the dimensions of time and space. The death of a star represents the death of one of these beings. Some of the beings manifest themselves to the people of the universe as Calebans, whose powers include the ability to transport people instantly from one place to another through "jumpdoors." The problem that creates the suspense of the novel is that the last Caleban is being tortured to death, and when it dies not only will its corresponding star die but everyone who has ever used a jumpdoor will die, too. Since nearly every intelligent creature in the Galaxy has used jumpdoors, the Caleban's death would mean the extinction of intelligent life.