Final answer:
A real estate agent is an example of a special agent, who is authorized to perform specific tasks on behalf of a principal, such as selling or purchasing property.
Step-by-step explanation:
A real estate agent primarily serves as what is known as a special agent. In the context of agency law, a special agent is someone authorized by a principal to perform a specific task or to represent the principal in a specific transaction or set of transactions. Real estate agents typically enter into agency relationships with their clients to sell or purchase property on their behalf, which is a specific, limited purpose.
Contrast this with a general agent, who would have ongoing responsibilities and the ability to engage in a range of activities on behalf of the principal, or a universal agent, who would have broad authority to act in all matters that the principal could do personally.
In the entertainment industry example provided by Alaine Alldaffer, agents who represent actors and pitch them to casting directors for specific roles or projects are similarly acting as special agents for those actors.