Lupin III, sometimes called Arsène Lupin III, is the grandson of Maurice Leblanc's fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. His ethnic background is officially unspecified in modern media, though older sources contain conflicting details, such as self-described mixed French-Japanese heritage or claims of a French birthplace. He grew up in Mahiko Village under the tutelage of a figure named Tomoe. Lupin frequently references both his grandfather and father, continuing their legacy of thievery and sometimes attempting to finish heists they began. Originally portrayed in Monkey Punch's manga as remorseless, crude, and violent—engaging in murder, sexual assault, and operating as a lone underworld leader—Lupin's characterization evolved significantly in anime adaptations. Later portrayals soften him into a chivalrous, fun-loving gentleman thief who avoids killing, especially women, and often aids those in need. He maintains a policy against stealing "honest money" and intervenes to stop violent criminals. Despite this shift, core traits endure: Lupin relishes the challenge of theft more than possessing the stolen items, frequently abandoning or gifting acquisitions after successful heists. His personality balances a childlike demeanor with tactical brilliance, using humor defensively and employing flawless disguises to impersonate anyone, including close allies like Inspector Zenigata. Lupin leads a core team consisting of marksman Daisuke Jigen, swordsman Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and femme fatale Fujiko Mine. He demonstrates fierce loyalty to Jigen and Goemon, dropping everything to aid them. In contrast, his relationship with Fujiko involves constant mutual betrayal and romantic tension; they function as an outlaw couple with belligerent sexual tension, though deeper emotional bonds are implied. Zenigata, Lupin's Interpol pursuer, evolves from a despised rival to a respected adversary, with Lupin even avenging attempts on Zenigata's life. The group dynamic varies: manga iterations show them as self-serving individuals, while anime depicts them as a cohesive team facing external threats. A master of disguise, deduction, and sleight of hand, Lupin employs gadgets like grappling-hook belts, explosive gum, and robotic beetles. He is a skilled race car driver, speaks multiple languages, and adapts flexibly to evolving security systems. His motivations blend thrill-seeking with a personal code of ethics—correcting injustices encountered during heists—and a drive to uphold his grandfather's legacy. Physically, he has black hair with a widow's peak, extended sideburns, and wears signature colorful jackets, color-coded by anime installment. When not thieving, he indulges in gambling, fine dining, and romance. Character development across media reflects broader tonal shifts: darker stories emphasize his moral ambiguity, while lighter entries highlight his heroism. Later installments like Part V and Part VI reconcile these aspects, showing increased self-awareness about his anachronistic role in modern crime. Lupin's backstory remains fluid due to the series' negative continuity, though broad strokes include a troubled past and commitment to his chosen family of outlaws.