# Principal Agent **Entity class:** Human-intelligence role **Domain:** Agent networks / source operations ## Definition A **principal agent** is an agent given responsibility for recruiting, controlling, or directing other agents within an operational network. The role is relational and supervisory rather than synonymous with a government case officer. ## Relationships - **operates within:** [[wiki/Human Intelligence|Human Intelligence]] and agent-network management. - **producer-function analogue:** orchestrates people and access without constant visible presence. - **related roles:** [[wiki/Access Agent|Access Agent]] and [[wiki/Talent Spotter|Talent Spotter]]. - **source:** [[research/The Producer Function in Intelligence Tradecraft and Dramaturgy|The Producer Function in Intelligence Tradecraft and Dramaturgy]]. ## Sources / Provenance - [CIA Reading Room — Appendix IX, Glossary of Terms](https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp83-00036r000400060001-9)