Arsène Lupin III, proclaimed the world's greatest thief, is the grandson of Maurice Leblanc's literary creation Arsène Lupin. His background hints at French and potential Japanese heritage, though official records list his birthplace as unknown. He regularly invokes his grandfather's legacy, sometimes weaving fabricated tales about their family history—like claims of Arsène Lupin's Japanese ancestry—often as tactical deceptions.
Lupin thrives as a master thief, wielding exceptional intellect to execute elaborate heists involving advanced gadgets and meticulous strategy. He exhibits high agility, proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, marksmanship, and mastery of disguise and vocal mimicry. His arsenal includes a Walther P38 pistol, a wristwatch-concealed grappling hook, explosives, and customized vehicles. Despite his criminal profession, he frequently targets other criminals or corrupt entities, adhering to a personal code that typically avoids killing and protects innocent civilians, especially women.
Core relationships define his dynamics: Daisuke Jigen, a sharpshooter, acts as his loyal partner and confidant. Goemon Ishikawa XIII, a master swordsman, oscillates between ally and rival yet consistently respects Lupin's capabilities. Fujiko Mine, a fellow thief and intermittent romantic interest, often manipulates or betrays him, leveraging his attraction. Inspector Koichi Zenigata, his relentless Interpol pursuer, shares a complex rivalry marked by mutual respect amidst unwavering dedication to opposing goals.
In *Elusiveness of the Fog*, Lupin's adaptability faces trial when he, Jigen, Goemon, and Zenigata are transported 500 years into the past by antagonist Kyosuke Mamo. This forces an unlikely alliance with Zenigata to survive feudal Japan and thwart Mamo's revenge plot—eliminating Lupin's ancestors to alter history. Lupin interacts with Ofumi, an ancestor of Fujiko, intensifying the stakes as Ofumi's survival directly impacts Fujiko's future existence.
His character evolution across the franchise shows a shift from the manga's darker, more violent portrayal—featuring remorseless and manipulative traits—to anime adaptations emphasizing charm, humor, and moral complexity. Later series like *Part V* and *Part VI* integrate his capacity for violence with a selfless streak, frequently demonstrating his willingness to aid vulnerable individuals. Regardless of iteration, his defining traits remain a blend of strategic brilliance, resilience against impossible odds, and signature irreverence toward authority.