Benkei Hanawa is a prominent character who begins his journey as an antagonist before evolving into a loyal and steadfast ally. Physically, Benkei is the most imposing figure among the main cast, possessing a very large and muscular build. He has short, dark hair, which is almost always covered by a white beanie hat featuring a distinctive red bull's skull emblem, and his eyes are a matching shade of red. His typical attire consists of a black and red jacket, gray shorts, and black shoes, and he is often seen with a holster on his belt for carrying his Beyblade gear.

Benkei's personality is defined by a compelling contrast between his rough, intimidating exterior and his genuinely kind heart. He initially projects the image of a typical bully, a remnant of his days as a member of the Face Hunters gang, where he would ruthlessly steal Bey points from weaker Bladers. However, beneath this tough facade lies a person who is compassionate, loyal, and prone to showing his emotions. He often tries to hide or cover up his softer moments, not wanting others to perceive him as weak, but his caring nature consistently breaks through, especially when his friends are in need.

His most defining trait is his intense admiration and loyalty for Kyoya Tategami, the former leader of the Face Hunters. Benkei idolizes Kyoya, aspiring to be a Blader of his caliber. This admiration is so profound that he often tears up or becomes emotionally overwhelmed when Kyoya accomplishes something great, and he remains fiercely devoted to him despite Kyoya's often aloof or harsh treatment. This loyalty serves as a primary motivation for much of Benkei's early actions, including his initial obsession with defeating Gingka Hagane in the belief that doing so would bring Kyoya back.

Benkei's role in the story is one of significant transformation. He is first introduced as the second-in-command of the Face Hunters, acting as a bully who pressures younger Bladers like Kenta Yumiya. After being defeated by Gingka, he is given a new Beyblade, Dark Bull, by the villainous Doji and tasked with defeating Gingka to secure Kyoya's return. However, his inherent sense of fairness begins to surface when he refuses to fight using underhanded tactics, such as when he frees Madoka from a trap. His turning point comes when he secretly helps and trains Kenta, an act that leads to his expulsion from the Face Hunters. From this point forward, he transitions from a minor antagonist to a core member of the protagonist group, fighting alongside Gingka and his friends against the Dark Nebula and other threats.

His key relationships are central to his development. Beyond his idolization of Kyoya, Benkei forms a close, brotherly bond with Kenta Yumiya. He sees his own past determination in Kenta and becomes a protective mentor figure, training him and caring for him when he is injured. This relationship helps solidify Benkei's role as a supportive and dependable friend. He also develops a strong camaraderie with Gingka, Madoka, and the others, becoming a reliable and enthusiastic member of the team. In later story arcs, he joins Kyoya's team, Wild Fang, under the alias "The Masked Bull," and by the time of the Shogun Steel series, he has retired from active competition to become the owner of a fast-food restaurant called the Bull Burger, occasionally working as a coach for the WBBA.

As a Blader, Benkei is known for his incredible power and determination. His primary Beyblade is Dark Bull H145SD, a Balance-type Bey that he uses with an aggressive, attack-oriented style. He does not give up easily in battles and is known for his raw strength. His signature special moves include the Bull Upper, Red Horn Uppercut, Tornado Bull Upper, and Maximum Stampede, all of which reflect the raw, charging power of his bull motif. His growth as a Blader is acknowledged by Kyoya, who, after Benkei's defeat in the Battle Bladers tournament, recognizes his significant progress, which stands as a moment of great validation for Benkei.