[FEATURE] Custom animated character / mascot display in the status line

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

The Claude Code CLI status line currently displays only technical information (model name, cost, token counts). There is no visual personality or engaging element in the interface. Long tasks feel cold and impersonal, and there is no visual feedback that reflects Claude's "thinking" or "working" state beyond a progress bar.

Proposed Solution

Add an optional animated mascot character to the status line area. The character should:

• Animate differently based on state (thinking, responding, idle, completed, error)
• Be toggleable via settings (e.g., mascot: true in config)
• Use simple ASCII or terminal-compatible animations to avoid performance overhead

Alternative Solutions

Currently there is no workaround. The status line is fixed in its display format and does not support visual customization beyond what is built in.

Priority

Low - Nice to have

Feature Category

Interactive mode (TUI)

Use Case Example

1. I start a long task in Claude Code
2. The mascot character animates while Claude is processing
3. The character changes expression when the response is complete
4. This makes the waiting experience more enjoyable and gives clear visual feedback on Claude's state

Additional Context

This is a quality-of-life / delight feature. The Claude mascot already has strong brand recognition. Bringing it into the CLI experience would make Claude Code feel more alive and personable, consistent with Claude's overall character.