What does the Animator component do in Unity?

The Animator component in Unity is primarily responsible for controlling animations for GameObjects. This component allows developers to create complex and fluid character movements by blending different animations, transitioning between them, and managing state machines. Through the Animator, you can trigger animations based on game events or user inputs, set up animation layers for even more control, and synchronize multiple animations to create lifelike behaviors in characters.

While sound effects, physical interactions, and lighting settings are essential components of game design, they fall under different systems within Unity. The Animator specifically focuses on animation, making it a vital tool for ensuring that characters and objects behave realistically and dynamically in response to gameplay changes.