Gripen functions as a central narrative figure, an Anima genetically engineered to interface with advanced Daughters aircraft. Her design incorporates salvaged Zai components, enabling her to pilot a specially modified Swedish JAS39F Gripen fighter jet, which also serves as her primary identifier.

She possesses distinctive long pink hair and violet eyes. Her attire alternates between military gear during operations and a white dress with shorts in casual settings. Though her exact height is unspecified, visual portrayals suggest she appears taller than 152 centimeters.

An inherent emotional instability manifests as distractibility and lack of purpose, critically impairing her operational effectiveness and causing frequent mid-flight loss of consciousness. Her psychological dependence on Kei Narutani—the human partner she bonded with after his rescue during the Shanghai evacuation—is essential for functionality; without this connection, she risks decommissioning.

Her partnership drives gradual improvement. Early reliance on Kei primarily prevented mission blackouts, while later operational scenarios demonstrated increased combat effectiveness alongside him. A critical engagement saw her overcome temporary incapacitation through their synchronized efforts, successfully defending against Zai attackers.

Operating under call sign "Barbie 01" alongside Anima teammates Eagle and Phantom, initial friction with Phantom—rooted in differing combat philosophies—evolved into mutual respect after joint missions. Her contrast with the American Anima Rhino proved significant: both faced Zai corruption attempts, but Gripen's established personal identity and bonds provided resistance against complete mental takeover, unlike Rhino who succumbed due to programmed emotional limitations.

Her emotional growth extends beyond military function. Protective instincts toward Kei emerge, particularly when perceiving threats to their partnership, accompanied by subtle romantic undertones within their relationship.

During climactic confrontations, her operational role expanded to direct combat against corrupted allies. She destroyed the compromised Rhino, demonstrating her combat capabilities when fully synchronized with her partner. This engagement concluded with her aircraft depleted of ammunition but successfully extracted by allied Anima reinforcements.

Her characterization explores artificial humanity's value beyond warfare. Conversations with Kei reveal her self-perception as "blessed" due to combat abilities, contrasting those without such capacity, emerging during operational anxieties.