Agent Program Hierarchy

Lore & Background

Their design philosophy prioritizes systemic preservation above all else, viewing humans who question reality as viruses that must be excised. They bend the rules of the Matrix, with abilities such as dodging bullets, running at high speeds and jumping great distances. They represent the cold, calculating logic of the Machines, devoid of human empathy or hesitation.

Reader's Guide

The ideology of the Agents is rooted in absolute systemic preservation. Their purpose is to terminate human simulacra that would bring instability to the Matrix, as well as rogue programs that no longer serve a purpose. They are the machines' enforcers against human rebellion. In the first film Agents Brown and Jones work with Agent Smith to destroy Zion and stop humans from escaping the system. Their primary goal is the maintenance of order within the simulation. Any individual who breaks the rules of physics or questions reality is marked for termination. This puts them in direct, perpetual conflict with Zion's resistance fighters and the freed humans who have awakened from the dream. The Agents view these rebels not as enemies to be debated, but as glitches to be deleted.

Did You Know?

• Because Agents can possess other bodies, Neo realises in the subway station that he cannot win the fight and flees.
• After his contact with Neo, Smith is 'unplugged' in The Matrix Reloaded: no longer an Agent of the system but a 'free man'.
• In The Animatrix, an Agent tries to take over Ash's body, and Trinity shoots him to stop the possession.