The Matrix: Main Characters, Ranked By Likability

It’s hard to argue The Matrix isn’t more known for its high concept and breakneck action than for its personalities. However, characters like Neo and Trinity are memorable for fans of the film. Some audiences have questions about Neo in The Matrix, and he sticks out in their minds.

Main characters like Morpheus are showcased most, but audiences meet others like Tank throughout the film. Some personalities like Agent Smith are villains, and as such, are easy to identify as unlikable. Others like certain members of the Nebuchadnezzar ship crew are harder to analyze. The characters show their likability as they face conflict.

Agent Smith

Agent Smith is the main villain in The Matrix. As such, he presents the least likable qualities of any of the characters. He is technically part of The Matrix’s programming, but presents several human personality traits. His goal is to take down Neo and the crew and leave humanity trapped in the program.

Although also robotic in speech and movement, Smith sets himself apart from the other agents when he tortures Morpheus. He reveals his maleficence when he tells Morpheus how deeply humans disgust him. He appears to take pleasure in causing pain to the Nebuchadnezzar team, underscoring his malicious qualities.

Cypher

Audiences see another main villain with Cypher. He is part of Morpheus’ team but reveals himself as a traitor in the later half of the film. Some fans say Cypher’s betrayal in The Matrix still holds up today. He is amusing in his first several scenes but shows how unlikable he is after he turns on his friends.

Cypher is selfish. He is willing to stop Morpheus’ plan to save the human race, imprisoning them forever in The Matrix, just so he can indulge in the illusion of pleasure it offers. When he makes a deal with Agent Smith to give up his team in exchange for a perceived life of luxury, his ugly personality is put on display.

Morpheus

Morpheus is one of the main protagonists of The Matrix. He is the leader of the Nebuchadnezzar team, and is instrumental in freeing Neo from The Matrix. He strives to do good, and makes his persuit in saving the human race his entire life. However, he is not without poor qualities.

Morpheus is smug and arrogant. When he reveals the secrets of The Matrix to Neo and trains him, he seems to take pleasure in Neo’s difficulty, and is content in knowing more than him. Furthermore, he ignores the opinions of the other crew members when he is convinced Neo is “the one” before knowing for certain.

Switch

Switch is one of the less developed characters presented in the film. However, they present their personality in the few times it is showcased. Switch is brash and pulls a gun on Neo after they meet.

Switch shows no sympathy to Neo as they prepare to overwhelm him with the truth. Switch tells Neo “it’s our way or the highway.” Switch is snarky and calls Mouse a “digital pimp, hard at work,” after he tells Neo about the woman in the red dress.

Dozer

Dozer is a brother to Tank, and pilot of the Nebuchadnezzar. He isn’t the most developed character in the crew, but his personality comes up in his responsibilities and the few actions audiences see him take.

Dozer is the crew’s pilot, and as such is mature and brave enough to take on one of its biggest responsibilities. He shows he is knowledgable and helpful when he lists the ingredients of the ship’s gruel to Neo. He shows his loyalty when he sacrifices himself to avenge his brother.

Trinity

Trinity is one of the main characters. Fans might say characters like Trinity help make The Matrix the Wachowskis’ best movie. As such, she is one of the more rich personalities in the story and her actions and words present her likability. Trinity is skilled, and helps bring Neo out of the Matrix onto the Nebuchadnezzar.

Trinity shows her warmth in her relationship with Neo. While some of the crew like Cypher respond to Neo’s mind-blowing revelation with sarcasm, Trinity appears to comfort him. She realizes the depth of his journey and helps to console and support him through their growing challenges.

Mouse

Mouse is a supporting character, and appears to be the youngest member of the crew. He is funny and talkative, and tries to help integrate Neo into the community when they all share a meal.

Mouse is curious and shows his smarts when he discusses flavor with Neo. He speculates whether the flavors of food in The Matrix reflect their flavor in the real world. He offers to make a virtual date for Neo with his programmed “woman in the red dress.” He is pleasant, and tries to give Neo levity as he adjusts to his new reality.

Neo

Neo is the protagonist in The Matrix. Many fans say the role of Neo makes The Matrix Keanu Reeves’ best movie. He is the chosen one who will help the human race free itself from the shackles put in place by the machines. He is curious and seeks out the answers that Morpheus, Trinity, and The Oracle provide.

Neo has moments of doubt and anger, but he shows his strength in facing these fears. He shows intellectual curiosity and endurance when he trains with Morpheus. He is struggling, but wants to learn more and improve his skills in order to help Morpheus, and by extension with his plan, the human race.

Tank

Tank is one of the supporting characters in The Matrix, but seldom presents negative behavior. He is pleasant, and almost always has a smile on his face. When Neo comes aboard the Nebuchadnezzar, Tank greets him and encourages him with excitement for his future in joining the team.

Tank is so likable because of his positivity. The bleak grayness of the ship and cold reality away from the comforts of The Matrix is jarring for some members of the crew. Tank, however, is consistently cheerful and presents an aura of hope in nearly every action he takes.

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