Chloe von Einzbern, known as Kuro, originated as a sealed fragment of Illyasviel von Einzbern's being—formed from suppressed memories of Illya's intended purpose as the Holy Grail vessel for the Fuyuki Holy Grail War. Her parents, Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern, prevented this fate by sealing those faculties shortly after Illya's birth. A flaw in the sealing process allowed this identity to crystallize into a distinct personality within Illya.
This persona manifested physically through the Archer-class Servant card, gaining autonomy and adopting a tanned complexion with light rose-colored hair and golden eyes, contrasting Illya's appearance. Initially claiming the name Illyasviel von Einzbern, she later embraced "Chloe" or "Kuro" (meaning "Black") to avoid confusion. Her emergence stemmed from bitterness over her sealed existence and resentment toward Illya for rejecting their shared heritage, driving her to seek Illya's elimination to claim sole identity.
Chloe blends mischief with emotional intricacy, exhibiting a calmer, more cunning demeanor than Illya. She often drains mana via kisses, sparking comedic mishaps, yet harbors vulnerability and a profound desire for familial acceptance. After Irisviel revealed Chloe's origin as the embodied Holy Grail function, Illya shared her mana to stabilize Chloe's existence. This led to Chloe's adoption as Illya's "cousin" within the Einzbern household, where she embraced normalcy while retaining her playful, forthright nature.
Her abilities derive from the Archer-class card, primarily EMIYA's powers. She excels in Projection Magecraft, replicating weapons like Kanshou and Bakuya, Caladbolg III, Hrunting, and a degraded Excalibur. Key techniques include Triple-Linked Crane Wings for synchronized sword strikes, Rho Aias as a defensive shield, and Rule Breaker to nullify magic contracts. She also wields Mind’s Eye (False) for tactical analysis, teleportation for rapid movement, and Independent Action to operate briefly without a master's mana. Her existence requires constant mana replenishment, initially via energy-draining kisses, though this need lessened after bonding with Illya.
Chloe's relationships reflect her integration into Illya's world. She shares a sisterly rivalry with Illya, teasing her yet relying on their bond for support. She fiercely protects Miyu Edelfelt, prioritizing Miyu's safety over larger conflicts. Her interactions with Shirou Emiya involve affectionate but complex feelings, recognizing parallels between him and EMIYA. She maintains wary respect for figures like Gilgamesh and EMIYA (Assassin), acknowledging their ties to her family's legacy.
In *Prisma Phantasm*, an OVA with surreal comedic segments, Chloe appears without significant development. The non-canonical plot features scenarios like magical girls in talk shows or endurance challenges, where she acts mischievously and adaptively, aligning with established traits without advancing her arc.
Her development culminates in the main series' later arcs, where she allies with Bazett, Gilgamesh, and Miyu's brother to rescue Miyu from the parallel-world Ainsworth family. This reinforces her loyalty to loved ones, often choosing personal bonds over broader conflicts. Her journey resolves her existential bitterness, replacing it with a commitment to safeguard her newfound family and ordinary life.