Free is a male lion and a member of the Shishigumi, a notorious criminal organization operating within the Black Market. He is of Indian or Asiatic descent, around thirty years old, and possesses a very distinctive appearance that makes him one of the most recognizable figures in the group. His fur is a light golden-yellow, and his mane is strawberry-blond, styled into a prominent pompadour. A notable scar runs over his right eye. His body is decorated with large tattoos, including the characters "猫邪羅死" (Nekojarashi), which translates to "cat teaser," running from his collarbone down to his stomach, along with paw print designs on his shoulders. Like his fellow gang members, Free is typically seen in a suit. In the anime adaptation, his design is somewhat softened, with a brown suit and more visible pupils compared to his manga counterpart.

Free has an eccentric and wild personality, with body language to match. He generally projects an air of not caring about events or issues that do not directly affect him. Despite his life of crime and violence, he is described as having a sense of being a good person, particularly in how he conducts himself with loyalty toward his leaders. As a member of the Shishigumi, he was initially opposed to the idea of an herbivore, the red deer Louis, becoming the group's boss. However, he grew to respect Louis deeply after witnessing the positive changes the deer brought to the organization, viewing him as a true leader, companion, and friend.

Free's motivations are most clearly demonstrated through his loyalty. His primary driving force is the welfare of the Shishigumi and his respect for its leadership. This is most evident during a crisis involving his former partner, Ibuki. When Ibuki was overcome by his carnivorous instincts and prepared to eat the herbivore Louis, Free was forced to make a difficult decision. Having been instructed by Ibuki himself to intervene, Free bravely shot his comrade to stop the attack. He then helped Louis escape the Black Market so the deer could have a better life, albeit with the stern warning that he would kill Louis if they ever met there again. This act demonstrates his complex code of honor, where respect and friendship can exist alongside his predatory instincts. When Free later reunited with Louis, he initially prepared to fulfill his promise to kill him, but his murderous intent vanished when he saw Louis had shed his antlers, and he welcomed his old boss back.

Free's key relationships are with his fellow Shishigumi members. He shares a strong bond with the younger lion Agata and a significant, complicated relationship with Ibuki. His most important relationship, however, is with Louis. What began as skepticism toward an herbivore leader transformed into genuine admiration and loyalty. Even after Louis left the gang, Free continued to call him "boss," and when a later leader, the hybrid Melon, caused the Shishigumi to nearly dissolve, Free did not hesitate to run and greet his former leader upon seeing him again. Free has several notable abilities and traits. He is known for his exceptional fighting instincts and is often the first to charge into a skirmish during turf wars. Louis once described Free as having a fondness for female lions and violence. He is also a billiards player. Like others in the Shishigumi, Free is an addict of silvervine, a plant related to catnip that he is seen sniffing before a fight to give himself a boost of energy.