Avatar

:This article is about the digital representation. For the hovercraft, see Avatar (Hovercraft).
An avatar refers to the digital representation, often as images or 3D models, that represent its users within virtual worlds and universes such as in The Matrix Online.
==Usage==
===In-universe===
While both bluepills and redpills alike are technically digital representations of real humans, the lack of distinction between the self as regarded while inside the Matrix and while in the Real World makes the usage of the term "avatar" unseemly due to some degree of delineation that the word introduces. Instead, Zion operatives simply refer to themselves "naturally" while inside constructs such as the Matrix, regarding their digital representations as if their actual bodies.
====Death within the Matrix====
The fact that dying while jacked into the Matrix also results to the death of the real body further intensifies the relationship between the mind and its digital self and further establishes the Matrix as its own reality or just another "real" location; making the usage of the term "avatar" all the more unsuitable. Neo, being the only known case of someone being able to survive after dying in the Matrix, later on further viewed the Real World as if just like being inside the Matrix.
====Impact of Real World death====
Anyone who dies in the Real World while still connected to the Matrix had their minds instantly wiped out and erased from the Matrix, their digital selves simply slumping dead with no mind to control them.
====Self image====
:Main article: Self image
Lacking the need for the word, the term "self image" has instead been coined within the universe to refer simply to the physical appearances of their digital selves. The image of one's self can vary greatly between the Matrix and the Real World. Switch's gender was originally meant to switch between the Matrix and the Real World; giving her the ability to fully express her identity while inside the Matrix.
===Out-of-universe===
Outside the universe of The Matrix, the term "avatar" can be fully used as intended; referring to digital representations (images, icons, 3D models, etc.) that represent its users within the digital sphere.
==Behind the scenes==
*The avatar appeared in the Zion Archives. An avatar in Hinduism was the incarnation or physical manifestation of an immortal being.
*The term was also frequently used in computer games, internet forums, and virtual reality as an icon representing a user or player.
*The term is used to refer to the player's character in The Matrix Online.
==See also==
*Simulated reality
*Shell
*Religious Symbolism
==References==
Category:The Matrix Online
Category:Terminology
Category:Real-world articles