Kite is a professional Hunter and a former student of the renowned Hunter, Ging Freecss. His exact origins are unknown, as he grew up living in the streets and surviving in harsh conditions, relying on a group of animal companions for food and shelter. His life changed dramatically when he encountered Ging, who recognized his potential and took him on as a disciple. Kite has stated that without Ging's intervention, he likely would have died in the slums. As a final test from his master, Kite was tasked with finding Ging himself, a journey that would prove to be a significant trial.

Kite is a tall individual with an easily recognizable appearance, characterized by his long, waist-length white hair and a signature blue hunting cap. His typical outfit consists of a simple white sweater, a style he has maintained since childhood. His demeanor is often serious, strict, and direct. He can come across as harsh or even cold, especially to those who act recklessly or without proper regard for danger. This was demonstrated during his first meeting with a young Gon Freecss, whom he struck to teach a necessary lesson about the dangers of the wild. Despite this tough exterior, Kite possesses a kind heart and a deep-seated sense of responsibility. He cares genuinely for his friends, his allies, and the creatures he studies.

As a Contract Hunter, Kite specializes in biological and ecological research, with a particular focus on large, often dangerous, creatures. He is passionate about his work and takes the responsibility of preserving ecosystems seriously, viewing himself as a hunter of knowledge rather than a simple killer. This passion is balanced by a practical and calculating mind in combat, allowing him to assess risks and make difficult decisions without hesitation. A notable quirk of his personality is his irritation with his own Nen ability, which he finds extremely bothersome, yet he continues to use it because it was taught to him by Ging.

Kite's role in the story is pivotal, primarily as the catalyst for Gon Freecss's entire journey. During his travels to find Ging, he arrived at Whale Island and saved a young Gon from a foxbear. During this encounter, he informed Gon that his father was not only alive but also a famous Hunter, inspiring the boy to take the Hunter Exam to find him. He later reunites with Gon and his friend Killua Zoldyck while investigating a strange species of ant. This reunion transitions him from a distant figure of inspiration to a direct mentor and leader. He guides Gon and Killua, sharing his expertise and protecting them from escalating threats. His most defining and tragic role is that of a sacrificial protector. When faced with the overwhelmingly powerful Chimera Ant Royal Guard, Neferpitou, Kite orders the two boys to flee and stays behind to fight alone, resulting in his death. This event becomes the single most traumatic moment for Gon, shattering his innocence and pushing him into a spiral of guilt and vengeance that defines a major turning point in the story.

The key relationships in Kite's life are with Ging Freecss and Gon Freecss. His relationship with Ging is that of a grateful and dedicated student to a master who saved his life and taught him everything he knows. He holds Ging in the highest regard, even naming his frustrating Nen ability in a way that is connected to his teacher. His relationship with Gon is more complex. Initially, he is a strict but fair older figure who provides inspiration. Upon their reunion, this dynamic deepens into a brotherly bond and a mentor-student relationship as they face danger together. Gon looks up to Kite as a hero and a direct link to his father, making his death and subsequent desecration as a puppet for the Chimera Ants an unbearably personal loss.

Kite is a powerful Nen user, classified as a Conjurer. His most notable ability is called Crazy Slots. This ability manifests as a conjured, clown-like creature with a numbered roulette. The roulette randomly selects a number from one to nine, and Kite then conjures the corresponding weapon. The randomness of the ability is its primary restriction, as Kite cannot choose which weapon he receives and cannot dispel it until he has used it at least once. This limitation, which he finds highly inconvenient, increases the overall power of the conjured weapons. Only a few of these weapons have been shown, including a massive scythe (number two) that can perform a devastating 360-degree area-of-effect attack called Silent Waltz, a carbine rifle (number four), and a mace or club (number three). It is implied that there is a special number on the roulette that only appears when Kite is determined not to die under any circumstances.

Following his death at the hands of Neferpitou, Kite undergoes a remarkable development: reincarnation. Due to the unique biology of the Chimera Ant Queen and potentially the lingering effects of his own powerful Nen, Kite's consciousness is reborn as a Chimera Ant. He is born as the twin sister of the Chimera Ant King, Meruem. In this new form, Kite appears as a young girl with red hair and freckles, who retains all the memories and experiences from her past life as a human Hunter. This rebirth allows Kite to survive and eventually reunite with Gon, providing a form of closure and continuing his existence in a new and extraordinary body.