Ōgai Mori is a translator, writer, and military doctor, born the son of a domain physician. His early education covered Confucian classics, Dutch medicine, and Western learning, followed by modern medical studies in Tokyo and Germany. His time in Germany sparked both appreciation for European art and culture and a stronger Japanese identity, leading him to advocate for modernization balanced with preserving traditional culture.

Meeting Mei Ayazuki, a time-displaced high school student who sees spirits, prompts him to suggest she pose as his fiancée. This arrangement provides her shelter and deflects societal suspicion about their association. He demonstrates a trusting and generous personality, naturally putting others at ease through emotional intelligence. His personal story explores his connection to Elise, a spirit manifestation based on a German woman he admired during his studies abroad. Elise represents a figure from his past, and confronting her becomes pivotal to his character development.

Professionally, he balances medical duties with literary pursuits, publishing scientific journals alongside creative works like poetry and translated German literature. He favors scientific rigor over superficial Westernization, especially in urban planning and public health, maintaining this intellectual engagement while fulfilling military responsibilities during conflicts.

His surname "Mori" means "forest," and his given name "Ōgai" combines characters for "seagull" and "outside," reflecting themes of nature and external perspectives. His story intertwines historical elements of his real-life counterpart—including his German studies, literary output, and conservative stance on cultural preservation—with the supernatural elements central to Mei's journey.