A single-minded, straight-laced detective committed to his job, Espio is serious, practical, intelligent and wise. He has a militaristic discipline despite being quiet, calm, and laid-back. Espio is additionally portrayed as being stubborn, opinionated and self-obsessed. Despite this, he has an excellent drive to all that he does and flourishes off of peril, getting himself into threatening situations to flex and polish his ninja skills, and, due to his extensive training, he can confront these troubles head-on unconcerned by danger. Among his colleagues, Espio's opinionated attitude serves a key role in Team Chaotix, allowing him to reign in and balance out the more optimistic and zany behaviors exhibited by Vector and Charmy. Beneath Espio's reserved demeanor lies a burning and very strong sense of justice and an absolute refusal to let evil have its way. As such, he gives the impression of a rather ruthless demeanor when facing villains; when encountering Eggman during the Neo Metal Sonic incident and the Black Arms incident, the usual civil and soft-spoken chameleon would make threats at the doctor's life. Espio is also seen as a ninja-based character; his battle poses and shuriken stars support that portrayal. Also in the Japanese script, the pronouns he uses to refer to himself are usually ware, and the more archaic onushi pronoun for referring to others. Like any ninja, Espio has a soulful side to himself too. He is a lover of traditional ways and can play the shamisen but is left confused by computers and audio-video equipment. He is also fluid in 17 different languages.