1. A computer graphics (CG) animation apparatus for displaying a character image, comprising: a structure storing unit operable to store structure data showing a hierarchical structure for a plurality of character elements that make up the character image; a table storing unit operable to store a group table showing a plurality of groups that each include some of the character elements; a motion data storing unit operable to store motion data representing motions, each of which is associated with one of the plurality of groups; an animation control unit operable to specify the motion data, the group table, and the structure data; and a state calculating unit operable to calculate shape data representing change in the character image over time in accordance with the motion data, the group table, and the structure data specified by the animation control unit.