Edward Newgate was a cheerful and carefree person during his younger years, prior to commanding his own ship and becoming known as Whitebeard. Due to being an orphan who grew up in poverty, Newgate had a strong desire for a family, which he saw as the greatest treasure one could have. Despite his peers considering this to be strange and humorous, Newgate was never ashamed of this wish. His reign on the sea, reputation, and foreboding power made him overconfident and fearless.