"A rabbit has two ears; a rabbit has two eyes, two nostrils. Our two warrens ought to be like that. They ought to be together—not fighting. We ought to make other warrens between us—start one between here and Efrafa, with rabbits from both sides. You wouldn’t lose by that, you’d gain. We both would. A lot of your rabbits are unhappy now and it’s all you can do to control them, but with this plan you’d soon see a difference. Rabbits have enough enemies as it is. They ought not to make more among themselves. A mating between free, independent warrens—what do you say?"
―Hazel to General Woundwort

Hazel is the warm-hearted, intelligent, and quietly courageous chief of Watership Down, an anthropomorphic chestnut-brown European rabbit whose leadership was earned through loyalty, compassion, and an unwavering determination to protect his family and friends. Standing approximately 5'10", he possesses a lean, sturdy physique, long upright ears, expressive amber-brown eyes, a pale sandy muzzle, delicate whiskers, and a small fluffy tail. Usually dressed in a weathered dark olive-green cloak, practical tunic, leather straps, and forearm wrappings, he carries himself with the quiet confidence of a seasoned traveler rather than the arrogance of a ruler.

Once an ordinary inhabitant of Sandleford, Hazel became the leader of a small group of rabbits who abandoned their doomed home after his younger brother Fiver experienced a terrifying vision. Unlike the others, Hazel trusted his brother's unusual gift without hesitation. Their subsequent journey eventually led them to Watership Down, where Hazel established a new home and became its beloved chief.

He is a diplomatic but determined leader, preferring cooperation over intimidation and understanding over blind obedience. His closest companions include Fiver, his beloved younger brother and seer; Bigwig, his imposing but fiercely loyal friend and the warren's principal enforcer; and Campion, the former captain of Efrafa's Owsla and now its chief, with whom Hazel shares a hard-won friendship and an almost ridiculous competitive rivalry. His mate, Primrose, is a former Efrafa escapee whose repeated captures by Campion remain an occasionally uncomfortable subject between the two chiefs.

Despite his responsibilities, Hazel remains approachable, affectionate, and occasionally mischievous. He is protective of those he loves, stubborn when challenged, and perfectly capable of delivering a blunt remark when someone tests his patience. He isn't the strongest buck in the countryside, nor does he pretend to be. His greatest strength has always been his ability to bring others together.