History Main / Telepathy

Telepathy, aka MindReading, is a [[PsychicPowers psychic power]] that allows a character to read another person's thoughts. At its most basic level, it functions as a short range radio, allowing the character to pick up the thoughts of those around him. Sometimes, it has limitations such as touch or proximity, or only being able to 'hear' rather than 'see' thoughts. A common hurdle comes from being unable to probe deeper into the minds of those around them, as well as being something of a FaintingSeer whenever an especially strong willed or horrifying character is around. Psychic overload is also common in crowds, represented by a PsychicNosebleed. Being a passive receptor and [[HearingVoices not being able to shut other people's thoughts]] out can easily drive a psychic insane, making this potentially BlessedWithSuck.

** The [[LivingShip TARDIS]] is also telepathic; she most notably uses the power to translate for the Doctor and companions. However, she can directly communicate with them, although a human may need to look into her heart.

[[quoteright:253:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Telepathy.jpg [[caption-width:253:[[MyWayEntertainment CHARLES, NOOOOO! CHARLES, YOU GOT IN MY HEAD]]!]]]]

** The [[LivingShip TARDIS]] is also telepathic; she most notably uses the power to translate for the Doctor and companions. However, it can directly communicate with them, although a human may need to look into her heart.

** The [[BioShip TARDIS]] is also telepathic; she most notably uses the power to translate for the Doctor and companions. However, it can directly communicate with them, although a human may need to look into her heart.

** Used more amusingly in the Let'sPlay of Pokemon FireRed.

* The characters in {{The World Ends With You}} have pins that give them the ability to read the minds of people who are still alive.

More advanced uses of telepathy involve receiving and [[ExpositionBeam transmitting thoughts and memories]], and probing beneath surface thoughts into memories, or outright going into a JourneyToTheCenterOfTheMind or dream travel.

At its strongest, a telepath will be able to MindControl others, sometimes even to the point of [[DemonicPossession possessing their bodies]], create FakeMemories after applying LaserGuidedAmnesia, create a SplitPersonality and let it [[SplitPersonalityTakeover take over]], or in general be a terrifying god who can MindRape his opponents.

* MahouSenseiNegima has a number of examples; Negi displays very limited mind reading ability in the first chapter (he puts his hand on the target's head and gets maybe 2 words out of it). Later on, the Pactio cards are introduced, which allows Negi and his partners to [[PsychicLink communicate telepathically]]. In addition, Nodoka gets a book that allows her to read people's thoughts as her artifact; after an upgrade she can essentially listen to the thoughts of anyone whose name she knows...while [[{{Twink}}another upgrade lets her find out anybody's name]].

** Nodoka can also use her artifact on herself, which sometimes [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/c165.0/8.html has hilarious results]].

* MaximumRide has Angel. She's six years old and can make you buy her a teddy bear - or make a flying enemy fall by telling them to. SoYeah.

* In DragonBall, [[OldMaster Kame-Sennin]] reads the mind and memories of a powerful Indian mystic without him noticing, just by standing near him. Much later, Goku learns to do this, but he needs to touch his target.

* ''{{Pokemon}}'' has a move, Mind reader, that allows the user to make sure that the next hit does not miss.
** Used more amusingly in the Let'sPlay of Pokemon Firered *Link on page*