What are the rules of the Matrix?

[Maniac]

I know that the "rules" change as we get deeper into the movies but I thought it might be interesting to list out what we know. Also, I am not clear on how some things work - it would be great to get other insight into that. So here goes

From The Matrix
We know the following:

Humans freed from the Matrix can jack back in and have varying degrees of influence. It seems that certain laws can be bent but not necessarily broken. What the limits of this are I am not sure but even Neo is not omnipotent.

When jacked into the Matrix communication with an operator is achieved vie nifty cell phones but exiting is only possible at certain points represented by old fashioned telephones.

Humans outside of the Matrix can create there own sub-Matrix and train themselves completely separated from the "real" Matrix.

There is some ability to "create" objects within the matrix - i.e. Guns etc. but not necessaryly on the fly. Not sure how this actually works though.

Knowledge can be transferred to provide skills as needed. There seem to be vast libraries of "downloads" such as piloting a Helicopter and doing Kung Fu. Presumably this knowledge exists only in the Matrix and is absent once you leave. Is it necessary to redownload a skill on subsequent visits to the Matrix if you've already done it?

Freed humans can create programs that affect attached humans - either causing them to be knocked out or allowing them to be traced in the "Real World".

From Matrix 2

Everyone except for Neo seems to be bound by the similar rules to the first movie although their effectivness against Agents seeems a little better.

Neo has a greate effect on the Matrix than others. He can sense when Agents are near. He can control objects (bullets, sai) and he can fly. He also can move more quickly than other jacked in humans.

We learn there are "rogue" programs that have caused various monster myths.

We learn there are parts of the Matrix that are somehow isolated (the white corridors of doors).

We get really confused about a whole lot of things that are going on.

I am sure I've missed a lot of points and I would appreciate anyhelp in adding to this list. Sorry its not better organized.

M.

 

[EricNoah]

Additions:

The freed humans can only jack in from their ships, and only when the ships are at "transmission level".

Not only does The Construct (the "training area") allow the freed humans to train for missions, but it allows them to create objects that they can take with them into the Matrix. Presumably those objects must follow the "rules" of the Matrix.

Neo/The One hasn't shown the ability to create new objects or control the programs/avatars of others while in the Matrix itself.

Agents can posess the avatars of the enslaved humans, but not other agents or jacked-in free humans. However, the rebel Agent Smith in Matrix Reloaded seems to be able to use both to replicate himself in a unique way.

Rogue programs usually return to the Source to be recycled, but several (as we've seen) hide from that fate. The programs include The Oracle, Agent Smith, Merovingian, Persephone (she's a program, right?) and the Keymaker. They all seem to be amazingly "human" in response and motivation in many ways.

 

[Maniac]

I total left out how the Agents can possess avatars.

I have question though about what the agents know and can sense. Do they use a search program to find rogue programs/Jacked in Humans? It does not seem as though they are automatically aware of them.

Also, is it necessary to have a host avatar available in the area to posess?


How does it all work?

M.

 

[Krug]

That Keanu can't act in The Matrix or any layer of reality.

 

[krunchyfrogg]

That Keanu can't act in The Matrix or any layer of reality.

Hehehehe

 

[KenM]

It seems to me the only rule is "whatever the writers feel like". If i'm in the matrix and I KNOW its a computer simulation, nothing can hurt me? So why does Trinity and others allow stuff to hurt them when they are in? The movies loose all credibilty when all the action/ fights can't threaten you.

 

[CrazyMage]

(You left the easy one for me )

First Rule of the Matrix:
No one talks about the Matrix!

 

[Apok]

Rogue programs usually return to the Source to be recycled, but several (as we've seen) hide from that fate. The programs include The Oracle, Agent Smith, Merovingian, Persephone (she's a program, right?) and the Keymaker. They all seem to be amazingly "human" in response and motivation in many ways.

Seraph (I think that's what he called himself; the guy whom Neo had to fight before getting to see the Oracle) is also a free, sentient program.

 

[RolandOfGilead]

I think that when neo and co enter the matrix, they possess a human body much like an agent does. However, unlike the agents, if they die, they DIE, so they cant just switch avatars. thats why when they die, the body retains the image of the possessor. You never see them enter the matrix, so this might explain that.. kind of a secret....

 

[RangerWickett]

I think that when neo and co enter the matrix, they possess a human body much like an agent does. However, unlike the agents, if they die, they DIE, so they cant just switch avatars. thats why when they die, the body retains the image of the possessor. You never see them enter the matrix, so this might explain that.. kind of a secret....

That makes little sense. The rebels can only appear by telephones, implying that the phone acts as a conduit that loads them into the Matrix. It's doubtful that they'd animate someone else's body, unless there just happened to be 8 people hanging out next to a random phone in the middle of an abandoned building in the first movie.

We've seen people leave the Matrix via telephone, so I figure entering it works much the same. You can only create people and objects near phones, which is why they can bring in guns (and apparently a motorcycle with Trinity). It'd be kinda cool in the next movie for, say, Morpheus to be fighting in a train station, pull a phone off the hook, and tell Link to load him up some lasers and stuff.

Anyway, other rules.

Agents' bodies can be deactivated through severe damage, but they do not seem to actually be injured. You never see Smith bleeding, nor does blood come out of the agent who fell prey to "dodge this," and by all rights, Smiths #103 to #217 should've had fractured skulls from that fight.

Agents' earpieces act as a connection to the Matrix's commands and notices. Smith couldn't hear the alert of the attacking rebels in the first movie because he'd taken his earpiece out. Similarly, it seems that the earpiece lets the Matrix listen in to what the agent is doing, or else why would he have taken it out.

I wonder if all the gear agents have have purposes. Do the glasses do anything in particular? Hell, the only injury Neo manages to inflict is breaking Agent Smith's shades in the first movie.

The machines have copies of all kinds of old B-horror movies, like Bride of Dracula and Night of the Lupins.

There is apparently only one City and one set of Mountains in the matrix.

Cursing in French is like wiping your ass with silk. (Anyone wanna translate what he said?)

Chocolate cake is good. Especially in French restaraunts.