Alfred F. Jones, officially embodying the United States as a nation personification, originated as an infant discovered during early European exploration of the Americas. England secured guardianship after a custody dispute with France, raising him as a younger brother until America's accelerated physical and political maturation fractured their bond during the Revolutionary War and independence declaration. Centuries of interaction forged a complex dynamic with England—contentious yet caring—marked by frequent bickering and mutual teasing over cultural differences like cuisine. This rapid growth similarly strained ties with his brother Canada, who matured slower and declined to support the Revolution, leading to estrangement. Their adult relationship mirrors typical sibling dynamics: America overshadows Canada but spends significant time with him and secretly admires his aptitude for harmonious connections.

Visually, America appears as a young man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a cowlick symbolizing Nantucket Island. He dons a tan uniform, brown bomber jacket (historically featuring a "50" for the states, omitted in pre-statehood anime adaptations), and glasses representing Texas. Accessories include hamburgers, oversized soft drinks, and thumbs-up gestures. His design evolved from early webcomic iterations—smoother center-parted hair, boots tucked under pants—to later wilder hair, prominent cowlick, and pants worn over boots. His high-school-athlete physique often draws mistaken assumptions about weight despite muscularity.

Personality radiates exuberant energy, self-confidence, and obsession with heroes, justice, and freedom. He complicates friendships by meddling in others' affairs. Stereotypical loves include hamburgers, junk food, large portions, and cars—owning a Mustang and Back to the Future-style DeLorean. Inheriting England's poor taste, he consumes bizarre or inedible items, including strangely colored sweets. Geographically ignorant, he believes U.S. maps depict the world and assumes countries are drivable. While typically unable to "read the atmosphere," he demonstrates logical thinking and situational awareness during serious moments, like strategic crisis planning. Hobbies span sports, gaming, archaeology, quick-draw shooting, adventures, and filmmaking—particularly horror movies forced upon Japan despite intense phasmophobia regarding clear apparitions in photos or security footage. Additional fears encompass weighing scales, Marmite, and Dora the Explorer, totaling at least 238 documented weaknesses. Superhuman strength emerged in childhood feats: effortlessly swinging a buffalo, dragging England's Rolls-Royce, or stopping a car with his heel. He befriends an alien named Tony but dismisses England's magical creatures except on Halloween when perceptible. A longing for happy endings stems from his identity as a rapidly developing nation. Childhood trauma—like the tragic friendship with human Davie, who aged and died while America remained a child—reveals his concealed emotional vulnerability and the isolating burden of immortality.

Relationships extend beyond England and Canada. France still seeks a sibling-like bond post-independence. America respects China's combat prowess, singling him out for battles and restraining him during destructive episodes. Forcibly opening Japan's borders initiated a lasting friendship sustained through cultural exchanges and shared interests despite mutual misunderstandings. He deems Russia "cool" for fighting tanks barehanded, lacking others' fear. Lithuania served as his housekeeper post-WWI, showing concern during the Great Depression and attending his birthday. Belarus briefly saw him as a brother after the USSR's collapse, though he found her exhausting. Cuba harbors hostility, often mistaking Canada for America and reacting violently.

Character development unveils hidden depths. His tactical infiltration suggestion in "Paint It White" demonstrated unexpected strategic acumen accepted by allies. The Davie storyline exposed childhood perspectives—contrasting adult-nation narratives—highlighting youthful determination, profound friendship capacity, and painful awareness of immortality's consequences. Jealousy of children receiving paternal Christmas gifts implies loss regarding a conventional childhood due to accelerated growth. Notes indicate his personality evolved from an initially smarter, cockier conception to a louder, hero-obsessed archetype. His creator based his personality on a geographically disinterested teacher and his appearance on a Canadian encountered in the United States.