Chrom is the prince of the Halidom of Ylisse and the younger brother of Ylisse's current Exalt Emmeryn. He also has a younger sister Lissa and is retained by Frederick. Chrom descends from the Hero-King Marth and the First Exalt, a legendary warrior who sealed the Fell Dragon Grima a thousand years prior to the events of Awakening. As a symbol of this heritage, Chrom bears the Mark of the Exalt on his right shoulder and is deemed worthy to wield the divine blade Falchion.

The previous Exalt, Chrom's father, passed suddenly when Chrom was roughly eight years old, and Emmeryn succeeded him as Exalt. Though Emmeryn was initially met with skepticism and sometimes hostility by the people of Ylisse due to her father's legacy, Chrom watched as her vision of peace and pacifism eventually won over the hearts of the population, ushering in a prosperous era for the country. Plegia, the neighboring country against which the previous Exalt had waged a crusade, was still left embittered by the previous war and led by the power-hungry Gangrel, who tried to reignite the war that Emmeryn had ended. Knowing that Emmeryn's pacifism could not fully quell the threat of Plegia, Chrom formed a vigilante group called the Shepherds to defend Ylisse from the looming threat and the constant bandit attacks instigated by Plegia to goad Emmeryn into war. Chrom is the straightforward prince of Ylisse who displays his convictions plainly and ultimately means well with his intentions. Taking the role of defender of Ylisse for his older sister, he is devoted to Ylisse's protection and seeks to be an inspiration to others. His resolve and commitment to see a conflict to the end make him both reckless at times, but also unflinching in his convictions. His earnest approach to life often makes him vulnerable to betrayal, but Chrom often pays no heed to otherwise reasonable doubt once he truly believes in his decision. By his own admission, Chrom will help anyone in need without a moment's hesitation. Best exemplified by his combat quote, "anything can change", Chrom believes that the future remains undetermined and so-called destinies can be overturned through sheer determination and faith in others.

Partially influenced by his bond with Robin, Chrom is a stalwart faith believer in the concept of bonds, feeling that the depths of one's relationships to others make one stronger. As such, he is fiercely devoted to those he cares about. Even when "betrayed" by his closest ally in the original future, the future Chrom did not blame them for the betrayal. From the very start of Awakening, Chrom's most notable bond is with Robin as he considers them as his "other half" in most situations, almost akin to his ancestor Marth's relationship with his "shadow" Kris. He has navy hair and blue eyes.