After watching only a single episode of House M.D., I knew that the main character's dæmon would undoubtedly be a jackal, as my friend Cat had first suggested.  The reason?  House was sarcastic to the point of nastiness, an unsociable misanthrope, and apathetic yet somehow lovable -- just like the other fictional characters I know of with jackal souls.  But then I started wondering why they were all so alike, with these negative traits, when none of them were based on fact.  My own jackal analysis says nothing about the individual being a cynical loner.  Instead, a real person with a jackal dæmon would probably be brave, gregarious, and dedicated to loved ones.  So why are made-up characters any different, with analyses that fit for the purposes, but aren't valid in the real world?

I believe this happens because the characters are stereotypes themselves, just like the inaccurate traits based on myths (e.g. owls are wise or coyotes are tricksters).  Fictional people possess created and often simplified personalities.  No matter how realistically an actor plays his part, he still exaggerates actions, reactions, and attitudes to entertain.  If a character is so realistic that they could be the kid in your Chemistry class, the show wouldn't be interesting, now, would it?  Television show characters tend to be stereotypes: the amusing druggie, the aloof smart-alec, the brainiac, the seductive young woman, the flamboyant gay, etc.  And as these personas are not real, some traits their dæmons reflect are also not real -- their dæmons reflect how we perceive the animal in our culture.  The fictional dæmons' traits are just that: Based on fiction, not fact.  Both are creations of the human mind, and so they go together perfectly.  (Like someone being proud and noble wouldn't likely mean they have an eagle dæmon, but for a TV show character, that could be a big reason for their eagle counterpart.)

Note:  In the same way, an animal's culture-bound traits will not probably define the real you, but these clichæs may reflect how others see you.  For example, I like to consider myself to be a humble, honest person, who tells people the whole truth - even in detail.  Despite coyotes being labeled in fairytales as cunning thieves and liars, that's not who I am at the deepest level.  Still, I was surprised to have my aunt tell me she didn't want to hurt my feelings, but I had a reputation in the family for being a big liar... for looking people straight in the eye and lying to their face.  I was a bit discouraged at that, but almost overjoyed that it backed up my 'stereotype theory.'  =)

Related to that incident, I believe people naturally give off the same aura and presence as their dæmon's form: a big cat is awe-inspiring, an eagle is stern-faced and hard to read, a ferret is cute and energetic/lazy, a cat is placid and condescending, etc.  Those aren't lies in themselves, but sometimes the traits which aren't genuinely the animal's (that aren't based on fact) can get thrown into the mix, and affect one's impression of the person.  I would never write 'you are wise' in an owl analysis, but I may say, 'You are perceived as being very wise.'  The latter is likely to be true for someone with an owl dæmon, whereas the first isn't.  It's an exaggeration at best.

Finally, what is the point of this friggin' section?  =P  Well, I wanted a place to talk about the false traits associated with certain dæmons, along with the more factual ones.  Some forms don't have any apparent misconceptions, though, so I'll just speak of their general aura.

Jackal:  As mentioned earlier, jackal souls are often portrayed as being verbally nasty, apathetic to others, and incredibly antisocial.  Also, I've found that three of the four characters I know of with jackal souls have some sort of drug problem, whether it be pills, cigarettes, something illegal, or alcohol.  Plus two of the four have killed a person.  On the television screen they are very likable for their 'tough guy/jerk' attitude, but I imagine in real life they'd be almost impossible to love.  Luckily the same doesn't go for actual people with jackal dæmons.  My analysis of a jackal based off of the creature's true habits speaks of someone who may be lazy, but they aren't cruel.  They're clever, bold, patient, sociable, tolerant, and of value to others. Some, like the golden jackal, are known for bursts of ferocity, but it does not define them.

Fox:  The fox is always written about in fairytales as a cunning trickster - one who's eager to take from others.  Fictional characters with a fox dæmon, from what I've seen, are often physically attractive, but also stubborn, arrogant, sly, secretive, and distant.  Now, those are all traits that may very well be seen in someone with a fox dæmon, so this is one where the line is blurred.  My friends with fox dæmons tend to show little emotion; it's a rare occasion to see them openly smile.  They also like to be verbally condescending, but in a joking manner.  (Though sometimes they go too far in their pursuit to sound superior.)  I think it's very fitting where my analysis says they seem to 'sneer at man.'  They're sarcastic and talented, and despite everything, very likable.  My analysis reads that they are intelligent with great depth (behind an illusory lack of it), one who avoids confrontation, solitary because they work best alone, determined, witty, and sensitive to subtleties.

Wolf:  I do not know enough people with a wolf dæmon to speak from experience, but I imagine they might be unfavorably seen as aloof, enigmatic, and malicious.  'Lone wolf' is an awful clichæ, though, because the only lone wolf you're likely to see is one who was forced into that position, such as an alpha leader who lost a fight.  A wolf soul is someone who is uncertain around strangers, but playful and pleasant among friends, and very sociable.  They are tactile people who like physical contact with loved ones (play fighting, too).  In appearance they may be described as handsome or pretty.  And despite being viewed as cruel by some, in reality they don't like to be mean to others, and are rarely found arguing with anyone.  They know how to give discipline, but do not punish someone more than they deserve.  Their sense of family is strong, and often wolf souls adore children.  They can be assertive, but not aggressive in the negative sense.  They want peace among their 'pack.'

Big cats: Overall, people with big cat dæmons tend to emanate self-confidence.  For those who know them well, they are a force to be reckoned with; they don't appreciate being pushed around or treated like inferiors.  But they're also humble in their strength, and even awe-inspiring.  There is the possibility for a ferocious temper, but rarely are they so weak as to feed those negative sentiments.  Most will often be happy alone by themselves, with the possible exception of the lion.  One possible downside to their aura is they may come off as amazingly apathetic or indifferent, but this is just how they portray their emotions; don't doubt the complexity of what they're feeling. From what I've seen, wild cat souls are artistic and loving and such beautiful people.  But I tend to find where the human is friendly and fun-loving, there's no denying they have a very serious and intelligent core.  There is much depth to them.

Bird:  Those with song bird dæmons are probably viewed as talkative, shy, gregarious, and bursting with nervous energy.  They appear small and delicate.  May be true to an extent... but the one thing I want to point out is that those little birds, especially during mating season, are extremely bold.  Even vicious.  I've seen little swallows and the like going after hawks to defend their nest.  However cute and weak a person with a bird dæmon may seem, I'm sure they can have an amazing temper when they feel the need to protect someone, or just have a strong temper in general.  Though small, they can make you feel much smaller in comparison.  My favorite aunt's dæmon is a relatively small bird, and even though she's very kind and empathetic, no one can scare me like she does when mad.  Heh.

Raptor: Both Horatio Hornblower and the vampire Angel are great examples of the exaggerated bird of prey archetype (one an osprey and the other a golden eagle).  More so than the fox or domestic cat, hawk and eagle people lack facial expression.  Unless a loved one just died, you aren't likely to see them wearing their heart on their sleeves.  Nor are they very talkative.  But they aren't cold -- just very serious and wanting to concentrate on the task at hand.  As is the fact with both fictional and real people, raptor dæmons make excellent leaders.  They may be mysterious, but they're brave and noble and focused. (And remember that not all raptors are so somber. Many of the falcon species are known to be playful creatures.)

Domestic cat: I think people see cats in many different ways, and their personal views will probably reflect their feelings for someone with a cat dæmon.  Example: if someone sees cats as antisocial, undesirable companions, they may feel the same way in regard to a classmate with that dæmon.  But someone else who sees felines as humorous and cute may see these traits in that same person.  Experience tells me that cat souls are socially introverted, but they like to get out of the house and spend time with a few people at a time.  Huge crowds probably aren't welcome.  Cats can be stereotyped as being condescending and not really liking people much, and some with cat dæmons are definitely like this, but on the other hand, domestic cats like to have company they can just be comfortable and relaxed with.  Plenty of cat souls might take offense to being called loners, because they aren't. But while cats are seen as lazy, I wouldn't say the same goes for people with this dæmon.  They might not be physically active such as running around playing sports, but they keep themselves occupied.  But, yeah, from what I've seen, they do like to stay up late and sleep in.