Shoko Hanashima is a sister of the Malthus Church. Found as an orphan by the leader, Dux, and raised within the institution, this background fuels a fierce will to survive that surpasses others in the church. This drive compels her to execute Dux's commands with minimal question or hesitation, securing resources and allies to advance their goals. Her commitment to forging a new world includes a willingness to employ extreme methods, such as the potential destruction of Tokyo, framing her actions as those of a well-intentioned extremist.

Physically, she has burgundy hair and matching eyes, with distinctive freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her attire typically includes a veil and necklace, consistent with her role.

Her combat ability centers on a unique blood armament. Instead of conventional weapons, her blood transforms into a swarm of butterflies. She telepathically directs these butterflies toward targets where they detonate on impact. This power awakened earlier for her than for others following the Great Collapse event.

Within the narrative, she serves as a source of exposition, providing crucial knowledge about their situation and powers to central figures including Chihiro Kamina, Kotetsu Domyoji, and Isshin Kakihara. Her interactions often present an amiable facade, masking her true intentions and thoughts, which remain largely inscrutable to those around her. Loyalty to Dux's plans and her focus on survival underscore her actions throughout the conflict stemming from the Great Collapse.