Initially, we get the impression that subversive activities are afoot. Spying, maybe something illegal. Armed police storm into room 303, where sits a young woman in front of a laptop.

Back in the street, the police lieutenant is approached by three CIA or FBI like agents. They reprimand the lieutenant, which he shrugs off with the air of someone who just doing the same run of the mill job he’s always done. Like so many of us, when a job becomes routine, we become blasé and ignore warnings as the ego says “I know what I’m doing.” The suspect was just a girl. Hardly a force to be reckoned with.

But, looks can be deceiving. For most people, what they see is real. The cops see a slim, sexy woman wearing the skin tight leather clothing, of what could be initially construed as a cheap tart or prostitute. In society, attire defines who you are according to its restraints. According to the rules of society, a young woman does not wear clothing that shows more of her figure than taboo allows, unless she is selling sexual favours or rebelling against those taboos. In Trinity’s case, it is partially the latter, but she is also aware that such taboos are nothing more than an illusory construct. She is quite comfortable with her own sexuality and aware that in the Matrix, it gives her an advantage. Let’s face it, you were distracted by her shapely leather clad backside (regardless of gender or sexual orientation), weren’t you?

Although Trinity is exceptionally feminine, she is also capable of emotionless acts of aggression. She is far more that her appearances portray and easily capable of protecting herself.

It is only when Neo defeats him (defeats the law) that Smith becomes “unplugged” and “free”. He becomes far more powerful than the other agents, and outside of the direct control of the Matrix. He can also rally anyone into his ranks. A law unto himself.

He is the system’s extreme reaction to an extreme situation, with only one goal, destruction of the enemy. ie. martial law.

“They can move in and out of any software still hardwired to their system. That means that anyone that we haven’t unplugged is potentially an Agent. Inside the Matrix, they are everyone and they are no one.”

 

Morpheus – The Matrix

They appear in old ladies wielding carving knives, tramps and truck drivers. They all have innocuous, common names that give them an ambiguous identity… as if their identity (or who they are) isn’t important.

As such, the agents are not representative of any physical entity. They are more like an idea.

As an archetype, they represent the law. The upholding of law is not just limited to police, anyone with a strong sense of righteousness will welcome the opportunity to become a hero for a day. The law is undefeatable, everywhere, but nowhere and protects the system at all costs.