anthropomorphic

Definition

Anthropomorphic refers to non-human animal or creature characters that have been given a substantially human-like physical form or body structure that is not normal for their species or original body plan.

The character retains recognizable animal traits while having a body and presentation intended to function as a person rather than as an ordinary animal.

Usage

Apply this tag to animal or animal-like characters that have substantial human-like physical characteristics while retaining recognizable animal anatomy or identity.

Examples include:

• A cat-like character with fur, a feline head, paws, and other animal features but a human-like body and upright posture → furry + anthropomorphic
• A bipedal dragon with scales, a dragon-like head, tail, claws, or other dragon features → scalie + anthropomorphic
• An animal species that is normally quadrupedal being depicted with a substantially human-like, bipedal body → anthropomorphic

The important distinction is that the character's human-like body is not simply the normal body plan of the species. Elves, demons, angels, and other species that are naturally humanoid should not be tagged anthropomorphic merely because they have human-like bodies, speech, intelligence, emotions, or behavior. Use humanoid for their body plan instead.

Do not apply this tag to characters who are essentially human apart from minor animal features such as animal ears or a tail. Use kemonomimi where applicable.

Do not apply this tag to solely because the character is non-human, this is not sufficient by itself.

Do not apply this tag to characters that retain a fully animal-like body plan. Use feral when the character is a sapient individual, or animal when they are an ordinary animal.

Anthropomorphic may overlap with humanoid. Humanoid describes a human-like body plan, while anthropomorphic describes a non-human animal or animal-like character retaining substantial animal characteristics while being presented in a person-like form.