Was the Character Trinity in The Matrix Based on Molly Millions from Neuromancer?

The character Trinity from The Matrix is often compared to Molly Millions from Neuromancer, but is there a direct connection?

Similarities Between Trinity and Molly Millions

Both characters, Trinity from The Matrix and Molly Millions from Neuromancer, are strong, skilled female protagonists in cyberpunk settings who embody a blend of toughness and complexity.

Molly Millions A Street Samurai

Molly Millions, created by William Gibson, is a street samurai with cybernetic enhancements and a fierce demeanor. Her toughness and cybernetic enhancements make her a perfect fit for the cyberpunk genre she represents.

Trinity A Hacker and Key Figure

Trinity, portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss, is a hacker and a key figure in the fight against a dystopian reality controlled by machines. Unlike Molly, who is a street samurai, Trinity specializes in hacking and has a role in the resistance movement.

Creator's Influence: The Wachowskis and Cyberpunk Fiction

The creators of The Matrix, the Wachowskis, have cited various influences for their film, including cyberpunk literature, philosophy, and mythology. While they may have drawn inspiration from characters like Molly Millions, Trinity represents a unique development in her own right. She embodies themes of liberation and existential struggle that are central to the film's narrative.

The Seminal Twist on Cyberpunk Kick-Ass Women

Trinity is based on the generic cyberpunk kick-ass women trope, but she is also influenced by ancient mythology. The Christian and Hindu connections in the film further contribute to the complexity of Trinity's character, making her more than just a simple embodiment of cyberpunk tropes.

The Three Graces and Trinity's Role

Trinity is also based on the ancient mythology of the three graces. In Sanskrit, "tri" means 3, and the three Graces are Love, Sympathy, and Joy. Trinity's role in the film is crucial, as without her, Neo cannot succeed. Many themes of The Matrix are derived from ancient Phoenician and Greek mythology, further underlining the complexity of the character's background.

Conclusion

While there are clear similarities between Trinity and Molly Millions, such as their roles as strong, skilled women in cyberpunk settings, the characters are not directly based on each other. Trinity represents a unique blend of mythology, technology, and personal development, making her a more complex and nuanced character than a simple copy of the cyberpunk kick-ass trope.

Keywords: Trinity, The Matrix, Neuromancer, Molly Millions, Cyberpunk