Dawner the Hero, also known as Yuusha Akatsuki, is the central figure tasked with rescuing his fiancée, Princess Syalis, from the Demon King's castle. As her childhood friend, he is troubled that she no longer remembers him, often calling him "Daw-What's-His-Name"—a result of his annoying behavior in their youth, which sometimes gave her nightmares.

He wears distinctive red and white armor and wields a large sword, complementing his exceptional combat skills and great physical strength. However, his quest is consistently hampered by an extremely poor sense of direction, prolonging the princess's captivity. Though outgoing and friendly, he is also clumsy and prone to errors, further complicating his mission.

Fifteen years before these events, Dawner encountered the young Demon King Twilight, who approached him secretly because Dawner was a candidate for Hero. Unaware of Twilight's identity, Dawner formed a bond with him, later realizing this figure—whom he called "Dee"—was his first love. Upon discovering the truth, Dawner becomes less focused on their enmity than on whether Twilight's feelings were genuine.

Confident and assertive yet impulsive, Dawner often acts recklessly, without regard for long-term outcomes. He adapts quickly to new situations and possesses a strong sense of adventure, though he can be insensitive to others' emotions. Despite these flaws, he demonstrates loyalty and determination, regularly reflecting on complex emotional matters—such as his history with Twilight—by considering how the princess might respond.

His role expands beyond that of a conventional hero as he occasionally mediates between humans and demons, fostering mutual understanding. He receives steadfast support from his hero party comrades, who encourage him during pivotal moments, including his decision to confront Twilight about their shared past.