An orphaned thief navigating Japan's Sengoku period, Dororo travels with Hyakkimaru, a ronin hunting demons to reclaim his stolen body parts. Dororo's origins lie with bandit parents Hibukiro and Ojiya. After a samurai official named Itachi killed Dororo's father, the mother froze to death in a blizzard, having first tattooed a treasure map onto Dororo's back using her own blood. Raised from birth as a boy to endure hardship, Dororo consistently identifies as male, employs masculine speech, and rejects feminine clothing or behaviors despite being biologically female. This identity remains steadfast throughout most of the journey, with Dororo frequently correcting those who misgender them. Dororo possesses a small-boned frame, spiky black hair often tied in a short ponytail, and brown eyes. Early attire features a tattered sleeveless green robe secured by a waist cloth, bandaged wrists and ankles, and a brown ribbon necklace. As a teenager, Dororo adopts a red kimono-like outfit and grows long hair. A key skill is proficient rock-throwing, used for hunting or disarming opponents. A personality blending mischievousness, arrogance, and reckless troublemaking with deep compassion and loyalty defines Dororo. Initially viewing Hyakkimaru as a means to wealth through demon-slaying contracts, Dororo develops a fiercely protective bond, addressing Hyakkimaru as "bro" and offering practical aid like retrieving lost prosthetics. Despite frequent bickering, Dororo exhibits determination and moments of vulnerability, particularly when recounting traumatic past events during fever-induced delirium. Character development varies across adaptations. The original manga and 1969 anime reveal Dororo's biological sex late when Hyakkimaru regains sight, causing Dororo significant distress. The 2019 anime reveals it earlier without narrative emphasis, maintaining Dororo's male identity throughout. Post-journey depictions also differ: the manga implies eventual acceptance of a female identity as an adult, while the 2019 anime epilogue shows an adult Dororo reuniting with Hyakkimaru without explicit confirmation of gender identity changes. Relationships extend beyond Hyakkimaru, including mutual respect with the monk Biwamaru and familial affection for Hyakkimaru's mother, Nui no Kata, whom Dororo calls "Bro's Mama".