Crossword Genius

They represent a man's following (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

agents

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'represent a man's following' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'man's' could be 'gents' (gent is a kind of man) and 'gents' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agents that I've seen before include "Spies" , "They act for others" , "Instruments" , "Factors" , "They act for actors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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