Xiahou Dun was a military general of imposing height, distinguished by an eyepatch worn over the left eye he lost to a stray arrow during a campaign. This injury earned him the disliked nickname "Blind Xiahou" among the ranks. His appearance was often completed by a mustache and a cape.

He demonstrated fierce loyalty to Cao Cao, serving him from the earliest uprisings against the Yellow Turbans through the campaign against Dong Zhuo. His extensive military career included pivotal battles against Lü Bu—where he was taken hostage but rescued by his subordinate Han Hao, an event that altered policy on hostage negotiations—as well as campaigns against Liu Bei and Sun Quan.

Beyond warfare, Xiahou Dun possessed a strong sense of righteousness, evident from an incident in his youth when he killed a man for insulting his teacher. As an administrator, he implemented pragmatic solutions for the people, such as damming a river to create irrigation ponds during a drought, and he labored alongside soldiers and peasants in the field. He lived frugally, generously distributing surplus wealth rather than accumulating personal property.

His relationship with Cao Cao was marked by exceptional trust and privilege: he was permitted to enter Cao Cao's private quarters unannounced, ride in his carriage, and operate unbound by standard regulations. After Cao Cao’s death, he continued to serve under Cao Pi as General-in-Chief, but died mere months after the appointment.

Although a military man, he valued scholarly pursuits and regularly hosted teachers in his camp to continue his studies. He was posthumously honored with the title "Loyal Marquis."