Shintarō Midorima served as the vice-captain and shooting guard of Teikō Junior High's Generation of Miracles, his exceptional accuracy and range securing his starting position. He maintained a competitive dynamic with captain Akashi in shogi and academics, never managing a victory. Initially skeptical of Kuroko's abilities, Midorima later acknowledged his value. Unlike his teammates, he consistently attended practices and avoided their point-scoring bets during games. He was among the first to detect Akashi's personality shift, working with Kuroko to understand it. Post-graduation, he and the Miracles pledged to compete against each other in high school to determine the strongest, an oath extending to the Winter Cup.
At Shūtoku High, Midorima joined the basketball team, his initial interactions marked by aloofness and perfectionism. He adhered strictly to meticulous routines: filing nails, taping fingers, consulting the Oha Asa horoscope, and carrying daily lucky items like stuffed animals or potted plants. These rituals stemmed from his belief in "Man proposes, God disposes," reflecting a reliance on external validation for confidence. He exhibited tsundere traits, often assisting others like Kagami with aerial techniques or Kuroko with the Vanishing Drive while masking his actions as criticism. He openly dismissed Kuroko's choice to join Seirin High, deeming it incapable of utilizing his skills. His relationship with point guard Takao Kazunari began contentiously; Takao aimed to earn Midorima's respect and nicknamed him "Shin-chan," a moniker Midorima initially resisted.
Midorima's signature ability, the High Projectile Three, featured perfect accuracy from any distance beyond the three-point line, including half-court or full-court shots. He executed these with a high-arcing trajectory using his left hand, maintaining defensive readiness by preventing fast breaks. His shooting required careful preparation: bandaging his non-dominant hand, nail filing, and ensuring optimal grip. Blocking his shots proved nearly impossible, with only Kagami, Kuroko, and Akashi succeeding through specific countermeasures. During the Winter Cup, Midorima enhanced his endurance to outlast Kagami in their rematch. He also developed the Sky Direct Three Point Shot with Takao, a mid-air catch-and-shoot technique utilizing Takao's precise passes. This move countered Akashi's Emperor Eye by placing the ball beyond his reach, demanding absolute trust between the duo.
Midorima's defeat to Seirin in the Interhigh preliminaries catalyzed his evolution. After the loss, he privately expressed frustration, stating, "It's really frustrating... losing." This experience, combined with Takao's influence, gradually shifted his focus from individual prowess to teamwork. By the Winter Cup, he actively collaborated with Shūtoku, passing to teammates and valuing their contributions. His emotional investment surfaced during the semifinal against Rakuzan; he challenged Akashi with the declaration, "I'll teach you defeat," and prioritized Shūtoku's collective effort over personal glory. Though devastated by their loss, he embodied his philosophy: "There’s no shame in falling down... True shame is to not stand up again." This growth cemented his bond with Shūtoku, notably evidenced in his joyful laughter during successful team plays.
In "Last Game," Midorima represented the Vorpal Swords alongside former rivals. His collaboration with Akashi showcased the Sky Direct Three Point Shot, adapting the technique despite their historical tensions, underscoring his commitment to team objectives over individual rivalries and fulfilling his development arc toward trust and unity.