Hawkstar is, at his core, an unpleasant cat. He's suspicious, aggressive, and makes choices seemingly based more in personal glory than for the sake of his clan. Though he is deeply respected by other leaders, he lives in a constant state of paranoia, convinced they all aim to take his territory. With the exception of Brightstar, of course- the coward. Hawkstar simultaneously fears and respects ambition, refusing to give any cat without it the time of day while plotting against the rest. His deputy was chosen intentionally, Duckwing's soothing personality keeping Hawkstar from making rash decisions.

This is all because Hawkstar, for all his faults, does care deeply about his clan. He's aware of his shortcomings- his fears and his impulses clashing together near-constantly. He knows that, as a leader, it is up to him to find ways to work around himself. He trusts no cat like he trusts Duckwing.