Chō Soran is the main protagonist, a young man who initially appears to be an ordinary and somewhat unremarkable college student. He was raised by his grandfather, Chō Shakurin, who instructed him to live a normal life and to never use his special abilities in front of other people, hiding the truth about his family's extraordinary heritage. This quiet existence comes to an abrupt end when he is attacked by zombies while visiting his grandfather's grave, an event that forces him into a hidden world of powerful individuals known as Outcasts. During this attack, he is saved by Fuu Houhou, a mysterious and skilled girl who claims a connection to his family, setting him on a new and dangerous path.

Soran’s personality is defined by a blend of common sense and a reluctant heroism. At the outset, he comes across as a normal young man, nervous, easily excited by simple things like a date, and often overwhelmed by the bizarre and dangerous situations he finds himself in. He is not naturally aggressive or eager for a fight, preferring peaceful solutions and complaining about his circumstances. However, beneath this ordinary exterior is a person with strong instincts and a developing cunning. While he is initially portrayed as scared and inexperienced, frequently beaten and needing rescue, he possesses a practical intelligence and street smarts. He learns to use his wits to survive and even win, as seen when he uses underhanded means to claim victory in a tournament, showing that he is not bound by a strict code of honor when his life is on the line. He is described as a delicate and careful person, showing a thoughtfulness that goes beyond his casual demeanor.

Soran’s primary motivation shifts from a desire to return to his normal life to a deep-seated need to uncover the truth about his grandfather and his own lineage. The attacks and the revelation that his family possesses a secret technique sought by powerful organizations force him to confront his past. He seeks to understand why his grandfather lived in hiding and what his true legacy is. This quest for truth drives him to enter the Raten Tournament, where he provokes and defeats Chō Reigyoku, becoming the leader of his own clan, a position he uses to further his investigation. However, his motivation is not purely for power; he becomes suspicious of the established rules and traditions of this hidden world, refusing to blindly accept the ceremonial laws required of a leader, demonstrating a desire for genuine answers over empty authority.

In the story, Soran serves as the central figure whose existence triggers a conflict between various Outcast factions. His unique power, the Kitaigen, is a coveted secret technique, making him a target and a pawn in a larger game. His role evolves from a frightened victim needing protection to an active participant. He trains to become stronger, enters a deadly martial arts tournament, and proves his skills in the arena. He is not just a fighter but also a decision-maker, as his choice to refuse the Tenshi’s rules leads him to head directly toward a major battlefield to quell the fighting, indicating his growing sense of responsibility and agency.

His most significant relationship is with Fuu Houhou, a powerful and seemingly immortal girl who becomes his master and protector. Though their relationship begins with her forcing him into servitude, she is instrumental in his survival and development, teaching him how to control his powers and navigate the Outcast world. This bond is central to the story, as both are seeking answers about their respective pasts. He also has notable interactions with other characters, such as being deceived by the seemingly friendly Kenken, which leads to his capture, and facing off against rivals like Chō Reigyoku, who shares a similar power. His journey brings him into contact with various organizations, from the Express Delivery to the Tengekai, forcing him to form alliances and make enemies.

Over the course of the narrative, Chō Soran shows a marked development, particularly between the first and second seasons. Early on, he is a useless and easily beaten protagonist, who, despite having inherent power, lacks the experience and confidence to use it effectively. Through the rigorous and dangerous training forced upon him by Fuu Houhou and the life-or-death battles he endures, he transforms into a much more capable individual. By the time of the Raten Tournament, he has grown from a scared boy into a skilled fighter who can hold his own against numerous experienced opponents, relying on his increased abilities and his natural cunning.

Soran possesses notable abilities as an Outcast, stemming from the secret techniques passed down through his family. He learned techniques in his childhood, including the Kinkou curse and Yougorai, which were taught to him by his father. His most powerful and sought-after ability is the Kitaigen, also known as the Kitai Genryuu, which is one of the eight secret ancient techniques. His grandfather explicitly forbade him from ever using this technique in front of others, highlighting its immense value and danger. When pushed to his limits, his power manifests as a unique form of Ki; in a critical fight against Chō Reigyoku, his Kinkou energy changed color, signifying the activation of a deeper, more potent strength that his grandfather had taught him.