What are "animal-derivative figures" characterized by?

Animal-derivative figures are often characterized by their symbolic representation of qualities associated with certain animals rather than possessing human-like traits or attributes. While they might represent resilience, emotional intelligence, or strength through their animal counterparts, their primary characteristic is that they frequently lack social-political status within human hierarchies.

In various cultures and societies, these figures may serve to embody traits like bravery or cleverness but are typically not afforded the recognition and status of human characters in narratives. Therefore, the understanding of animal-derivative figures as lacking social-political status highlights the dynamics between these representations and human social constructs, differentiating them from figures that might possess high societal esteem or show emotional intelligence, which are features more aligned with human roles and interactions.