Lupan is the world-renowned gentleman thief and the grandson of the legendary Arsène Lupin. In the film Lupin III: Dead or Alive, Lupan sets his sights on the national treasure of the small country of Zufu, which is hidden on a mysterious floating island protected by a sophisticated nanomachine security system. He is a master of disguise, often using rubber masks and impeccable acting to fool friends and enemies alike, and he is an expert escape artist capable of breaking out of any prison or trap. His personality is a blend of cocky playfulness, sharp intelligence, and a surprisingly noble streak. He is driven by the thrill of the heist and a love for challenge, but he also shows a willingness to help those in need when circumstances demand it. His primary motivation is the pursuit of the treasure and the satisfaction of outwitting his opponents, though he rarely keeps his gains for long. Throughout the story, Lupan works closely with his trusted partners: the quick-draw marksman Daisuke Jigen, the stoic samurai swordsman Goemon Ishikawa the Thirteenth, and the cunning femme fatale Fujiko Mine, with whom he shares a complicated romantic infatuation. His relentless pursuer is Inspector Koichi Zenigata of the ICPO, whom Lupan constantly evades with playful taunts. In Dead or Alive, Lupan’s role is that of the central protagonist who drives the plot forward by planning the heist, infiltrating enemy positions, and ultimately confronting the film’s antagonist, General Headhunter. He demonstrates his characteristic resourcefulness by disguising himself as Prince Panish to gain access to the island, and he uses clever improvisation—such as firing a bullet using a knife as a firing pin—to defeat Headhunter. The character does not undergo a dramatic transformation in this film, but his loyalty to his friends and his refusal to stay caught are reaffirmed. His notable abilities include expert marksmanship with a Walther P38 pistol, incredible agility and acrobatics, and a genius for planning and deception. He is also proficient in driving a variety of vehicles and using gadgets, such as explosive cigarettes or spring-loaded boxing gloves, to confuse his enemies. Lupan’s charm, wit, and relentless optimism define his presence in the adventure.