Kongou is the personification of the Japanese battleship Kongou, the lead vessel of the Kongou-class. In KanColle, she represents the historical warship that was built in England before being transferred to Japan, a detail that informs several of her traits. She is characterized by a hyperactive and cheerful demeanor, often mixing Japanese with random English phrases and displaying a deep fondness for black tea, a preference rooted in her construction in Britain. Her motivations center on her strong sense of duty to protect the fleet and her affectionate attempts to win the favor of her admiral, whom she frequently tries to impress.

Within the story, Kongou plays a prominent role in the anime adaptation, where she is a member of the Fifth Mobile Fleet and one of the few characters who easily gets along with the protagonist Fubuki. She is also featured in the first trailer and appears in the film. Her key relationships include a close bond with her admiral, which serves as an emotional anchor, and playful yet competitive interactions with her sister ships Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima. Over the course of the series, Kongou undergoes noticeable development, evolving from a lighthearted and love-struck shipgirl into a dependable leader who demonstrates unwavering commitment during critical missions.

As a fast battleship, Kongou possesses immense naval firepower, primarily her main battery cannons, and employs an aggressive, rapid combat style that allows her to adapt to various tactical situations. Her signature abilities include enhanced speed and the capacity to deliver powerful broadsides, with her combat efficiency further emphasized through her teamwork with the fleet. Despite her energetic exterior, she shows a strong sense of responsibility when the situation demands it, balancing her playful nature with the gravity of her role as a warship.