Character animation in Rive involves designing and animating interactive characters using a real-time vector animation tool. In Rive, characters are created using vector shapes and then animated with a state machine system that allows smooth transitions between different actions such as idle, walking, jumping, or reacting to user input. Animations are lightweight, scalable, and can be exported for use in web and mobile applications. Rive enables designers to build responsive and interactive animations where character behavior can change dynamically based on triggers, inputs, or user interactions, making it ideal for UI mascots, games, and engaging user experiences.