On the stage of epistemology, the 20th century sees a significant reshuffling. A figure that had largely been relegated to an offstage existence steps into the spotlight of theory formation: the figure of the Third. Since then, a multitude of previously marginal actors has emerged in cultural studies theories: messengers, cyborgs, parasites, rivals, tricksters. The Third becomes prominent not only in such embodiments but also as a theoretical figuration: categories like Third Space, hybridity, or third gender indicate a new sensitivity to the issues of boundary drawing and distinction. This interdisciplinary volume offers readers from the broad spectrum of cultural studies an outline of problems and an overview of the diversity of figures and figurations of the Third.