Described as the human embodiment of a lie, Kokichi is a schemer who compulsively or pathologically creates lies, and uses malevolent (and childish) mannerisms, though his more "innocent" side could just be him using his appearance to his advantages. In spite of the antagonistic mask he tries to put on, Kokichi actually despise killing and the killing game, and "had to lie to himself" to act like he enjoys it. This also could be why he dislikes Maki Harukawa, due to her job as an assassin.