Twices

Twices is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and role-playing settings to describe beings or phenomena characterized by dual form or two simultaneous identities. The concept emphasizes duality, memory, and continuity of self across two embodied states. The term appears in multiple independent canons and is not tied to a single authoritative source, allowing different authors to adapt its rules and symbolism.

Biology and mechanics: A Twice consists of two bodies—Twin A and Twin B—that share a single consciousness or are bound by a continuous mental link. They can shift presence between forms, either at will or under specific conditions, while some narratives preserve the other twin as a memory or avatar. Death may be partial or total, depending on the story's rules.

In culture: Twices serve as a narrative device to explore questions of identity, consent, autonomy, and memory. They appear in novels, video games, and films within fictional universes. In-universe works include the novella The Mirror's Edge and the game Parallel Fate, both of which center on the ethical and existential implications of dual lives.

Reception and interpretation: Critics within the fiction's worlds discuss the philosophical implications of personhood for Twices, while fans debate the balance of collaboration and rivalry between twins. The motif is commonly used to examine how a person’s choices are shaped by multiple selves.