Free is a character from the manga and anime series BEASTARS, serving as a prominent member of the Shishigumi, a notorious criminal organization of lions operating within the Black Market. He is an Indian lion with a very distinctive appearance, characterized by his light golden-yellow fur, a noticeable scar over his right eye, and a strawberry-blond mane styled into an unconventional pompadour. His body is adorned with large, intricate tattoos, including the kanji for "cat teaser" running from his collarbone to his stomach and lion paw prints on his shoulders. Like his fellow gang members, Free is typically seen wearing a formal suit, though his wild and lively body language often contrasts with this professional attire. In the anime adaptation, his design is slightly softened, giving him visible pupils and making his scar less prominent compared to his manga counterpart.

Free possesses a personality that is both eccentric and fiercely loyal. On the surface, he appears not to care about many things, adopting a laid-back attitude as long as situations do not directly affect him. He has a known fondness for female lions and violence, and he enjoys playing billiards in his spare time. Despite his life of crime and his intimidating presence, Free is described as having a core of decency, earning him the label of a "good person" in the context of the series. This is most clearly demonstrated through his unwavering respect for his leaders. Initially skeptical, he becomes deeply devoted to Louis, a herbivore deer who rises to become the boss of the Shishigumi. Free respects Louis not for his physical strength but for his audacity, willpower, and the positive changes he brings to the organization. He is also a known user of silver vine, a substance that cats use to get a boost of energy, which he has been seen sniffing before a turf war with a rival wolf gang.

Free’s motivations are deeply tied to loyalty and the concept of chosen family. Like all members of the Shishigumi, he was born and raised in the Black Market, making the gang his only real home and family. His primary drive is the success and honor of this group. His pivotal role in the story comes during the Shishigumi's final internal conflict, when his loyalty is put to the ultimate test. Having been instructed by his partner, Ibuki, to stop him if he ever tried to attack Louis, Free watches closely. When the moment comes and Ibuki loses control of his instincts, Free bravely intervenes, stopping his comrade and extracting Louis to safety. This act demonstrates that his loyalty to the principle of the Shishigumi and to Louis as its rightful leader supersedes even his bond with his closest friend. After ensuring Louis can leave for a better life, he warns the deer never to return to the Black Market, lest he be killed, showing a final, harsh form of respect.

Free's key relationships define his character arc. His bond with Louis is the most significant. Though initially against having a herbivore as a boss, he grows to admire Louis, seeing him as a true leader, companion, and friend who could be depended upon. He prefers to still call Louis "boss," even after Louis leaves the organization, and misses him greatly. When the Shishigumi later falls under the chaotic rule of the hybrid Melon, Free does not hesitate to run and greet Louis upon their reunion, demonstrating the lasting degree of his admiration and appreciation. His relationship with Ibuki is also crucial, as they were close partners. Ibuki's death deeply affects Free, and he assumes the role of protecting Louis, carrying on the memory of their alliance. Throughout his development, Free transitions from a seemingly mindless predator into a soldier with a strict code of honor, proving that even the most hardened criminals can evolve and accept a new social order based on respect rather than fear.

In terms of abilities, Free is a formidable force, dominating through his natural physiology as a lion, which grants him immense strength, high constitution, and the deadly natural weapons of claws and fangs. He is an experienced combatant, well-versed in gang warfare and turf battles. Beyond his physical prowess, he has demonstrated tactical intelligence in coordinating assaults and has shown proficiency with firearms. A unique skill among the Shishigumi is his ability to drive a motorcycle, as he is the only known member to own his own vehicle. His impulsivity and love for fighting make him the ideal shock trooper for the organization, acting as its offensive backbone during territorial disputes in the Black Market.