Kirie Kanoe is a student at Seikyou Academy and holds a unique connection to the school's most famous ghost. She is the granddaughter of Yukariko Kanoe, who was the younger sister of Yuuko Kanoe, making Kirie a living relative of the spectral girl who haunts the academy's halls. Physically, Kirie bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased ancestor, possessing similar facial features and the same red eyes. However, she distinguishes herself by keeping her hair cut short, unlike Yuuko's long locks. She has an athletic build and is often seen in her school uniform.

Initially, Kirie presents herself with a confident and somewhat tomboyish demeanor, seemingly unbothered by the opinions of others. This tough exterior, however, is primarily a facade. In reality, Kirie is easily frightened by supernatural phenomena, and her brave front quickly crumbles when she is confronted with genuinely scary situations, revealing a much more vulnerable and sensitive side to her personality. She is also prone to jealousy, particularly regarding the attention that the protagonist, Teiichi Niiya, gives to Yuuko. This jealousy manifests in small ways, such as her considering growing her hair long to look more like Yuuko, and she is also self-conscious about her own more athletic figure compared to Yuuko's curvier one. This blend of bravado and insecurity is a core part of her character.

Kirie's primary motivation stems from her family connection to Yuuko. At the outset, she warns Teiichi about the dangers of interacting with the school's ghost, believing that no spirit can be truly harmless to the living. Her goal is to protect Teiichi from what she perceives as a threat. After an initial failed attempt to drive Teiichi away from Yuuko, during which her own fears are exposed, Kirie shifts her approach. She seeks to understand more about Yuuko, her past, and the circumstances of her death, and to this end, she becomes actively involved in the investigations of the Paranormal Investigation Club, eventually joining its ranks.

Within the story, Kirie serves several important functions. Alongside Teiichi, she is one of the very few living characters who can see and interact with Yuuko's ghost, making her a key participant in the club's activities and the unfolding of the school's mysteries. She often acts as a grounded, if easily startled, counterpoint to the more carefree and mischievous Yuuko. Her relationship with Teiichi is complex; while she develops feelings for him, she finds herself in an unusual love triangle where her rival is not just another girl, but her own ghostly ancestor. Her dynamic with Yuuko is marked by jealousy and rivalry, yet they are forced to cooperate, creating much of the series' tension and humor. Kirie's reactions to Teiichi and Yuuko's often flirtatious interactions, which only she and Teiichi can fully perceive, provide a significant source of comedic relief.

While some sources suggest the main cast experiences limited development, Kirie does undergo a notable change from her introductory role as a skeptic and an antagonist to Yuuko and Teiichi's bond. She evolves into a valuable and loyal ally, actively helping to uncover the truth about Yuuko's death despite her own fears. Her willingness to confront the supernatural, even as she remains terrified by it, demonstrates a growing courage and dedication to her friends. Her notable abilities include her rare sensitivity to the spiritual world, which allows her to see Yuuko and other ghostly phenomena that are invisible to most other students. This connection to the other side, inherited from her bloodline, is what enables her to play a crucial role in the Paranormal Investigation Club's quest.