Archetypes

The characters in any allegorical story are often used to symbolise certain concepts. These may be types of people (stereotypes); a group or organisation; a part of the mind; a power or force; etc.
 
Below are a list of the main characters in the film and what they symbolise.

Cypher

There’s always one. The rotten apple. The one who just wants to cock it up for everyone else, if he (or she) thinks they can benefit from it.

Tired of the struggle, not truly believing in the goals of the group, feeling jilted, the rotten apple is always willing to trade his/her integrity.