Agent facts for kids

An agent is a person who acts on behalf of another person or group. Think of them as a representative. They are hired to do specific tasks or make decisions for someone else.

What Kinds of Agents Are There?

Agents work in many different fields. They help people with all sorts of things, from finding jobs to planning trips.

Agents Who Help People

• An FBI agent is an official representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They work for the government to investigate crimes and protect national security.
• A literary agent helps writers. They find publishers for books and negotiate deals. They make sure writers get fair contracts for their work.
• A sports agent works for athletes. They help players find teams, negotiate salaries, and manage their careers. They make sure athletes get good deals and support.
• A talent agent finds jobs for actors, models, and musicians. They help these artists get auditions and roles. They also handle contracts and career planning.
• A travel agent helps people plan trips. They book flights, hotels, and tours. They make sure your vacation plans go smoothly.
• A realtor (in the US) or real estate agent (in Britain) helps people buy, sell, or rent homes and other properties. They know the market and can help you find the right place.

Other Meanings of "Agent"

• A secret agent is a spy. They gather secret information for their government or organization. This is often called espionage.
• A free agent is a sports player whose contract with a team has ended. They are free to sign with any new team they choose.

Agents in Science

Sometimes, the word "agent" is used in science to describe certain substances or forces.

Chemical and Biological Agents

• Agent Orange was a powerful chemical used during the Vietnam War. It was a herbicide, which means it was used to kill plants. It caused serious health problems for many people.
• A biological agent is a germ or substance that can cause an infectious disease. Scientists study these agents to understand how diseases spread and how to stop them.

Agents in Stories and Movies

The idea of an "agent" is often used in fiction, especially in action and spy stories.

• The Agents are characters in the movie The Matrix. They are powerful computer programs that act as guardians within the virtual world.
• Secret Agent is a 1936 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It is a spy thriller about two British agents on a mission during World War I.

See also

In Spanish: Agente para niños