Current[]
The One, also known as the Prime Program, is a systemic feature of the Matrix wherein a special code is carried by a randomly selected human being. This person is then gifted vast superhuman abilities as an avatar within the Matrix, which sometimes manifests as extraordinary powers in the real world. The special code has the function to collectively attach, to the person that carries it, all of the anomalies which emanate from the few humans who continue to reject the Matrix. This essentially makes The One an "Integral Anomaly" or the SUM of all anomalies.
The mechanisms by which The One appears are rather simple and arranged in the Prime Program process: when the anomalies in the Matrix reach a certain threshold and begin to pose serious problems, a random human is selected by the machines to be born with a special code (the Integral Anomaly) that, as said before, ties and attaches all of the anomalies within the Matrix to the programming of this human. The Oracle, who is aware of The One's existence and purpose because it is her duty to guide humanity to find The One, will enlighten him to his true nature and lead him towards the Source where he fulfills his purpose of reinserting the Prime Program and resetting the Matrix. She does this by predicting the return of The One to the people of Zion to aid them in freeing humanity from the Machines' grip. The Architect, as creator of the Matrix, is also well aware of The One's existence and purpose, referring to The One as an "eventuality".
Essentially, the purpose of The One is to ensure the stability of the Matrix through containing the anomalies in one individual rather than letting them spread throughout the system.
The Merovingian[]
The Merovingian (sometimes called The Frenchman) is an old program that resides within the Matrix. Self-described as a "trafficker of information", The Merovingian behaves much as a leader of a powerful organized crime syndicate. He and his wife Persephone operate a smuggling ring providing a haven for exiled programs in the Matrix. The Merovingian is described as an "Operating System" by The Kid in his blog incorporated in The Matrix Online, although this presumably describes his role pre-Exile rather than his current function.
Paradise Matrix[]
The Paradise Matrix was the first prototype Matrix, which was designed by The Architect to control humanity by putting their minds into a constructed virtual reality. Unlike later versions, it simulated a perfect world with no suffering to try to pacify their minds, but was not accepted. Many of those connected died, and a Nightmare Matrix was designed in its place that tried to correct its flaws.
World Record[]
World Record is one of the short animated films of The Animatrix, which tells the story of an athlete who becomes aware of the Matrix while attempting to set the world record for the 100 meters sprint. It was created by Madhouse, written by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and directed by Takeshi Koike.
The Matrix[]
The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The film describes a future in which reality perceived by humans is actually the Matrix, a simulated reality created by sentient machines in order to pacify and subdue the human population while their bodies' heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Upon learning this, computer programmer "Neo" is drawn into a rebellion against the machines.
Agent Smith[]
Smith first appears with Agents Brown and Jones in an unsuccessful attempt to "apprehend" Trinity. Unlike Brown and Jones, Smith has a more defined personality. He is not only more conversational to bluepills, but he also states opinion, illicits sarcasm, and shows a less than veiled disdain for his existence within the Matrix. Smith is portrayed in all three movies by Hugo Weaving.
Neo[]
The central character of the Matrix trilogy, Neo is a man with a special gift and a special destiny. In all three motion pictures, Neo is played by Keanu Reeves.