Albator, as depicted in Cosmowarrior Zero, is a younger version of the legendary space pirate, portrayed before he acquires the iconic cape and eyepatch associated with his later adventures. His background is rooted in a future where humanity has lost a war against a faction known as the humanoïdes, mechanical beings who have subjugated Earth. In this oppressive reality, Albator refuses to accept the new world order. He operates from beyond Earth's direct control as the captain of a powerful warship, taking on the role of a rebel who actively disrupts the occupation. His primary activity is attacking cargo ships belonging to the humanoïdes, striking at the infrastructure that supports their regime.

The personality of this version of Albator is defined by an unwavering and principled belief in freedom. His actions are not driven by personal vengeance or a desire for chaos but by a deep-seated ideological resistance against tyranny and corrupt power structures. He is portrayed as a mysterious and commanding figure who, despite his life of rebellion, adheres to a strict moral code. This code is demonstrated in his interactions with other humans, as he deliberately avoids causing them harm even when engaged in direct combat. His motivation stems from a conviction that the humanoïdes' rule is illegitimate and must be dismantled, making him a symbol of necessary revolt against systemic exploitation.

In the story, Albator serves as a pivotal catalyst for the protagonist, Warrius Zero. After Zero loses his family and his purpose in the devastating war, it is an encounter with Albator that inadvertently gives him a new reason to exist. Although Albator easily defeats Zero in their first confrontation, he spares his opponent's life, an act of magnanimity that, rather than creating gratitude, solidifies Zero's determination to capture him in order to protect the fragile peace treaty signed with the humanoïdes. The central dynamic of the series is built on this complex relationship. Albator and Zero are not merely enemies but former close friends, and their rivalry is laced with a deep, mutual respect that complicates their duty-bound opposition. While Zero is a commander tasked with hunting down the pirate, his mission is a personal quest to find meaning, a quest directly challenged and shaped by his confrontations with Albator.

Albator's role in the narrative forces a reevaluation of Zero's black-and-white worldview. Through their clashes, Albator exposes the systemic exploitation that binds both humans and humanoïdes, revealing that his fight is against a corrupt hierarchy rather than a simple war of aggression. His defiance and tactical ingenuity challenge Zero's perception of duty and loyalty, pushing the story beyond simple pursuit into a deeper exploration of freedom and sacrifice. Albator also shares a significant bond with the engineer Tochiro, a relationship that is fundamental to his abilities. Tochiro helps him enhance the arsenal and stealth capabilities of his legendary vessel, which is known as the Death Shadow or the Arcadia. This ship is a formidable symbol of rebellion, allowing Albator to execute his guerrilla tactics against the humanoïde forces effectively. His notable abilities include exceptional tactical strategy and space combat skills, which enable him to systematically cripple enemy infrastructure and consistently outmaneuver military opponents like Zero.