Hatchi begins as a honeybee separated from his queen mother when a devastating wasp attack destroys their hive. An egg rescued from the ruins is found and nurtured by a bumblebee, who becomes his adoptive mother. Despite her care, he faces rejection from his adoptive siblings due to his distinct appearance, leading him to uncover his adoption. This discovery launches his quest to find his biological mother.

Initially naive, somewhat foolish, and quick to tears, Hatchi possesses an underlying competitive drive and strong sense of justice. As a male honeybee lacking a stinger, he remains vulnerable in physical conflicts. His travels thrust him into a harsh natural world where he encounters death, suffers loss, and confronts adversaries including wasps, spiders, reptiles, and human pesticide use. These trials gradually forge resilience, transforming him from timidity toward greater physical and mental fortitude.

During his journey, he forms crucial bonds, including with another honeybee later revealed as his sister, a survivor of the initial wasp assault. This reunion eases his loneliness and intensifies his sense of duty. Following another wasp attack that scatters his family, he undertakes a mission to find the sanctuary known as Beautiful Hill, aiming to rebuild their kingdom with his sister as queen. He allies with companions such as a ladybug seeking his own missing father, while battling persistent foes like a vengeful wasp.

Hatchi's background includes elements of lost royalty as prince of the ruined bee kingdom. His narrative reflects themes of orphanhood and displacement, akin to a figure rescued from peril like Moses. Throughout his experiences, his optimism and dedication to protecting others endure, culminating in efforts to restore a peaceful bee society after reuniting with his mother and sister. A later film adaptation retells his origin and journey without introducing new character developments beyond these established arcs.