Anpanman possesses a head made entirely of anpan, its red bean paste (tsubu-an) sustaining him. He wears a red-orange uniform with a smiley symbol, brown cape, yellow gloves, boots, and belt. This cape enables flight, though damage requires repair by Batako-san. His primary combat techniques, the An-punch and An-kick, deliver force capable of shattering metal or hurling foes great distances. Allies like Currypanman or Shokupanman can combine these into Double or Triple Punches. He also exhibits superhuman hearing to detect global cries for help.

His bread head presents critical vulnerabilities. Water, dirt, mold, or contamination progressively weaken him, potentially immobilizing him. Physical damage, including deliberately removing portions to feed the starving, drains his strength. Uncle Jam must bake a fresh head for restoration; the old head detaches with crossed-out eyes upon replacement. He wears a transparent bubble helmet for protection during rain or underwater activities.

Relationships drive his actions. Uncle Jam serves as creator and paternal figure, baking heads and offering wisdom. Batako-san provides maternal support, maintaining his cape. Cheese, a dog he rescued by sharing his head on his first patrol, is his loyal companion. He leads a trio of bread-heroes with Currypanman (hot-tempered, curry-filled head) and Shokupanman (narcissistic, sliced white bread head). He shares quasi-sibling bonds with Melonpanna (a younger melon-bread heroine he protects), Rollpanna (struggling with a dual heart), and Creampanda (cream-bun-headed foster brother). His enduring adversary is Baikinman, an anthropomorphic germ born the same day. While opposing Baikinman's schemes, Anpanman consistently believes in redemption and offers potential friendship.

In the film *Omocha no Hoshi no Nanda to Runda*, Anpanman joins an adventure involving a princess and a robot seeking a magic wand that transforms objects into toys, fulfilling his role by providing aid, overcoming obstacles, and using his abilities to resolve conflict. Across all franchise media, Anpanman's core traits—self-sacrifice, resilience through communal support, and unwavering commitment to aiding those in need—persist. His development emphasizes consistent heroic action over internal change. The recurring act of feeding others from his own head, despite the personal cost, symbolizes the series' message of sustenance and compassion forged from hardship.