On the surface, Dazai is an irresponsible, insouciant detective. His intelligence is quickly revealed from behind his masquerade of stupidity, however. He is exceptionally intelligent and manipulative. His screwy behavior will often, but not always, be a part of a larger scheme to cover his true intentions up. Dazai is revealed to have an exceptionally negative, potentially nihilistic, view of reality. He feels lonely and in the dark at all times. This gives him a detached side.