Insects are characters, we hear (4)
I believe the answer is:
bees
'insects' is the definition.
(bee is a kind of insect)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bees that I've seen before include "Drones and workers" , "Four-winged insects" , "Honey-producing insects" , "Honey makers" , "Social insects" .)