Explore the theory of Anosov representations in this introductory lecture, part of a three-part minicourse designed for non-experts. Delve into the various characterizations of Anosov representations, laying the foundation for understanding this complex mathematical concept. Gain insights from Tengren Zhang of the National University of Singapore as he presents this one-hour talk at the Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques (IHES). Prepare for subsequent lectures that will cover domains of discontinuity, convex projective geometry, and recent developments in the field of Anosov representations.