Figurative

Figurant is a general term for someone who pretends to be something he is not. In particular, they are called figurants

• a participant in a first aid course who plays a sick or injured person
• the assistant of a dog trainer , who for example represents a criminal to be caught.
• an extras in film or theater.

In surveying , on the other hand, "Figurant" is a regional name for a young surveyor . It alludes to the need to change location quickly when setting up the yardstick over the points to be recorded.