Ryoga Hibiki, known as P-Chan, is defined by his history, curse, and relationships. His rivalry with Ranma Saotome ignited in junior high over lunch bread scraps, with Ranma consistently winning and unintentionally humiliating him. This led Ryoga to challenge Ranma to a duel behind his house, but his profound directional impairment caused him to arrive days late, missing the fight and deepening his resentment. Pursuing Ranma to China, Ryoga encountered him at Jusenkyo. There, Ranma, in cursed female form, accidentally knocked Ryoga off a cliff into the Spring of Drowned Piglet. This curse transforms him into a small black piglet upon cold water exposure, reverting only with hot water. His return to Japan involved prolonged wandering due to his navigational struggles.

His personality exhibits emotional volatility, deep-seated loyalty, and chronic loneliness. His near-total lack of directional sense is hereditary, causing him to get lost even in familiar settings like houses or neighborhoods, often leading to extended wilderness isolation. This isolation fosters depression, paradoxically fueling his signature Shishi Hōkōdan chi blast technique, powered by negative emotions. Despite his rage toward Ranma, he shows profound gratitude and protectiveness towards those kind to him, especially Akane Tendo. After Akane discovered his piglet form in a rainstorm and adopted him as her pet "P-Chan," unaware of his human identity, Ryoga developed intense, unrequited love for her. He often prioritizes proximity to her over revealing his secret, causing internal conflict. His sense of honor makes him reluctant to fight perceived weaker opponents, and he is easily flustered by romantic or intimate situations, particularly involving women.

As a largely self-taught martial artist, Ryoga possesses exceptional strength, durability, and combat prowess rivaling Ranma. His physical resilience allows him to endure significant damage, and his strikes can demolish structures like walls or lampposts. Key techniques include the Bakusai Tenketsu, taught by Cologne, which shatters rocks by striking pressure points, and the Shishi Hōkōdan and its more potent variant, the Shin Shishi Hōkōdan, requiring utter despair to unleash. A sixth sense enables him to anticipate attacks, though his directional deficits sometimes misdirect this awareness. His curse complicates battles, as unexpected transformations leave him vulnerable, and emotional distractions create openings.

In *Team Ranma vs. The Legendary Phoenix*, Ryoga's complex dynamic with Ranma and Akane is underscored. When a phoenix egg hatches on Tatewaki Kuno's head, imprinting on Ranma as its enemy, Ryoga assists in neutralizing the threat. He uses his piglet form to intervene during a chaotic bathhouse confrontation, knocking Kuno unconscious to protect Ranma. Later, after the phoenix shifts aggression to Akane, Ryoga participates in the collective effort to subdue it, demonstrating willingness to collaborate with rivals for her safety. The movie also highlights his internal struggle, as he continues concealing his P-Chan identity from Akane despite opportunities for transparency.

His relationships center on rivalry, unspoken affection, and moral ambiguity. His feud with Ranma evolves from lethal intent to grudging respect, with both saving each other in dire situations, though Ranma frequently manipulates Ryoga's naivete for tactical advantage. His love for Akane is a driving force, yet his decision to maintain the P-Chan deception represents a betrayal of her trust, casting a shadow over his protective devotion. Interactions with characters like Shampoo or Ukyo often involve him being exploited for their goals, reflecting his gullibility and eagerness to please.