Fujiko Mine, known in some international dubs as Vanessa, is a central figure in the Lupin the Third series. She is a highly skilled professional criminal, thief, spy, and confidence trickster who operates as an independent agent, frequently finding herself allied with or in opposition to the master thief Arsène Lupin III and his associates. Her background is deliberately ambiguous and varies across different adaptations, adding to her mystique. Some narratives suggest a past connected to organized crime, hinting at a period of amnesia that erased her memories before she met Lupin. Other interpretations portray her as having a history as an assassin, where she was part of a notorious duo known as the "Golden Couple" with a killer named Pun. This lack of a fixed origin is a defining characteristic, making her true past a persistent enigma.

Personality-wise, Fujiko is the quintessential femme fatale, defined by her cunning, pragmatism, and unwavering self-interest. Her primary tactic is to use her considerable intelligence, attractiveness, and skills in manipulation and disguise to achieve her goals. She is a master of deceit, willing to ally with anyone, including Lupin, his rivals, or even law enforcement, only to double-cross them the moment it serves her purpose. Her motivations are almost exclusively material gain; she is driven by a desire for wealth, jewels, and a luxurious lifestyle, often squandering her earnings on failed get-rich-quick schemes, which forces her back into a life of crime. Despite her duplicitous nature, she does not maliciously place her allies in situations from which they cannot escape, seemingly confident in their abilities.

Fujiko’s role in the story is that of a chaotic catalyst. She is neither a true member of Lupin’s gang nor a straightforward enemy. Instead, she is a recurring rival and occasional partner whose unpredictable allegiances drive many plots. Her presence often signals trouble, as she has a history of seducing, betraying, or simply outmaneuvering the protagonists to claim a treasure for herself. Yet, her deep connection to Lupin, which is central to the series, prevents her from being a mere antagonist.

The most significant relationship in Fujiko's life is her complex, on-and-off dynamic with Lupin III. He is completely infatuated with her, willingly falling for her schemes and forgiving her betrayals, which he says he even looks forward to. For her part, Fujiko exploits Lupin's feelings without hesitation. However, genuine affection for him surfaces during moments of extreme peril or when Lupin is believed to be dead, during which she grieves and recognizes his importance to her. This relationship is not one of simple love or hate but a mutual game where both characters enjoy the chase and the challenge they present to each other.

Her relationships with other key characters are more strained. Daisuke Jigen, Lupin's partner, deeply distrusts Fujiko, viewing her arrival as an omen for trouble. Despite this, he will occasionally work with or defend her for Lupin's sake. Similarly, Goemon Ishikawa XIII has a history of brief romance with her but has grown to be wary and distrustful, though he has also partnered with her on independent jobs. Even Inspector Koichi Zenigata has a transactional relationship with her, occasionally teaming up to capture Lupin in exchange for her freedom, though such alliances are short-lived.

The character has seen noteworthy development over time. While earlier incarnations often portrayed her as a straightforward, if charming, adversary, later series, such as the 2012 prequel The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, delve into her psychology, presenting her as a more tragic and complex figure grappling with a manipulated past and a desire for agency. This iteration explores her as a protagonist in her own right, highlighting her skills and personal struggles beyond her role as a love interest. This evolution has solidified her as a character capable of depth and independence.

Fujiko boasts a formidable array of abilities that make her a dangerous and competent criminal. She is an excellent markswoman, with her signature weapon being a Browning M1910 pistol, which she often conceals in her garter. Beyond firearms, she possesses superb martial arts skills, capable of incapacitating much larger opponents. She is also a master of disguise and accents, fluent in numerous foreign languages, and can operate almost any land, sea, or air vehicle, with a personal preference for a Kawasaki motorcycle. While she uses her sexuality and seduction as strategic tools to manipulate targets and gather information, these physical and intellectual skills ensure she is never reliant on charm alone, making her a true equal to Lupin and a constant, unpredictable force in his world.