In the anime adaptation, Tabaqui manifests as a striped hyena, diverging from Rudyard Kipling's jackal yet aligning with India's native wildlife. He functions as a secondary antagonist alongside Shere Khan and Grizzle. His physical traits mirror the Indian striped hyena subspecies (*Hyaena hyaena hyaena*), featuring distinct black throat markings and facial patterns.

Tabaqui exhibits cowardice, greed, and incompetence, habitually inciting trouble. As a sycophantic follower of Shere Khan, he undertakes spying and messenger duties while depending on the tiger for protection. This relationship underscores his submissive, self-preservation-driven nature over genuine loyalty. He displays manipulative tendencies and opportunistic betrayals, though his schemes frequently collapse due to bungling.

Antagonism defines his relationships: wolves revile him for endangering the pack and spreading mischief, while he persistently targets and undermines Mowgli. His role as Shere Khan’s lackey remains static, devoid of development or redemption.

During the climactic battle between Mowgli and Shere Khan, Tabaqui meets an ambiguous fate. While aiding the tiger, he and another hyena suffer goring by water buffaloes. His survival or demise remains unconfirmed.

Personality assessments indicate Enneagram Type 6 ("The Loyalist") traits—anxiety, reliance on authority figures like Shere Khan for security, and internal conflict between seeking protection and pursuing self-interest. Some interpretations suggest secondary ESFP traits (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), citing charm and adaptability, though these remain overshadowed by his core fearful and manipulative behaviors.