Towa Higurashi is a half-demon born during a lunar eclipse to Sesshōmaru and Rin, alongside her fraternal twin sister Setsuna. Shortly after birth, protective measures were taken by their father to shield them from Zero, a demon targeting them due to a prophecy linking them to Kirinmaru's demise. At age four, a forest fire orchestrated by Zero's subordinate Homura separated the twins, with Towa transported through a time portal to the modern era. She was adopted by Sōta Higurashi, Kagome's younger brother, and raised in a peaceful environment. Despite frequent conflicts with bullies due to her demonic traits, she developed a strong moral aversion to violence. Her upbringing fostered a deep sense of loyalty to her adoptive family, particularly her younger sister Mei, whom she vowed to protect.

A decade later, Towa reunited with Setsuna, discovering her sister had lost all memories and the ability to sleep due to a curse involving the Dream Butterfly. Determined to restore Setsuna's dreams, she traveled to the feudal era alongside her cousin Moroha, Inuyasha and Kagome's daughter. Initially inexperienced in combat, Towa gradually honed her abilities, wielding the katana Kikujūmonji and later the Zanseiken, a cosmic sword gifted by Rion. Her demonic powers allowed her to manifest energy blades and absorb yōki, culminating in techniques like the Sōryūha, inherited from her father. These abilities evolved further, enabling her to sever threads of fate and confront threats like the Grim Comet.

Towa is characterized by compassion and a reluctance to kill, influenced by her modern upbringing. This contrasts with the feudal era's harsh realities, leading to friction with Setsuna and Moroha, who prioritize practicality. Despite her pacifism, she exhibits fierce protectiveness, especially toward family, and a vengeful streak when provoked, as seen in confrontations with Homura and Zero. Guilt over abandoning Setsuna during their separation drives much of her resolve, though she gradually reconciles with her past through shared struggles and regained memories.

In the manga continuity, Towa's characterization diverges slightly, portraying her as more openly confrontational and comfortable with lethal force, alongside implied romantic interest in women. These differences highlight adaptive nuances while maintaining core traits like loyalty and determination. Her journey explores themes of identity, particularly balancing her demonic heritage with human values, and navigating complex familial ties, including her evolving understanding of Sesshōmaru's motives.

Key relationships include her bond with Setsuna, marked by initial estrangement but deepening through shared missions, and her dynamic with Moroha, blending camaraderie and occasional rivalry. Her adoptive father Sōta remains a grounding influence, symbolizing her connection to the modern world. Interactions with figures like Riku and Kirinmaru challenge her principles, testing her resolve to forge a path distinct from her lineage.

Physical traits reflect her hybrid nature, with silver hair, magenta eyes, and demonic markings that intensify during power usage. Her modern attire, a male school uniform, underscores her rejection of traditional gender norms, aligning with her pragmatic combat style. Transformations into full-demon or full-human states during lunar cycles underscore the duality central to her character.

Throughout her arc, Towa's development centers on reconciling conflicting identities, protecting loved ones, and confronting prophecies entwined with her existence. Her actions contribute to resolving curses threatening her family and preventing apocalyptic events, solidifying her role as a bridge between eras and ideologies.