Liu Bei in Sōten Kōro is a character who departs significantly from the idealized hero of traditional Romance of the Three Kingdoms adaptations. He is presented as a physically large and strong man, initially operating as the leader of a local vigilante group that maintains order in his home village. His claimed lineage as a descendant of Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty, is suggested to be a fabricated banner used to gain legitimacy and rally support rather than a genuine noble background. Despite this, his character is described as a man of high morals and seemingly infinite potential, with an underlying good nature that sets him apart from the more ruthless pragmatism of the story's central figure, Cao Cao.

Liu Bei's personality is marked by a strong sense of righteousness and a desire to protect the common people, though his portrayal is less saintly and more grounded than in the novel. He is not a flawless knight in shining armor; the series paints him as an anti‑villain figure who, while generally well‑intentioned, is not above using deception or opportunism to advance his cause. He is charismatic and able to attract loyal followers, most notably the mighty warriors Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who become his sworn brothers. His relationship with his advisors, especially the enigmatic Zhuge Liang, is central to his rise; Zhuge Liang helps transform him from a local strongman into a king beloved by millions.

In the overall narrative, Liu Bei is one of three major protagonists alongside Cao Cao and Sun Quan, but he occupies a less dominant role than Cao Cao, who is the true focus of the story. The series deliberately subverts the traditional hierarchy, diminishing Liu Bei's importance and casting him in a less flattering light compared to the more dynamic and innovative Cao Cao. Nevertheless, Liu Bei's development traces his journey from a humble village leader to the founder of the Shu Han kingdom, driven by his moral convictions and his ability to inspire fierce loyalty. His notable abilities include considerable personal physical strength, strategic acumen gained through experience, and an innate talent for winning the devotion of talented individuals, which compensates for his occasional lack of military or political sophistication. His growth is gradual, shaped by both his successes and his setbacks in the chaotic final years of the Han dynasty.