Haruka Nanase is the main protagonist of the anime series 'Free!'. He is a second-year high school student with a deep passion for swimming, particularly freestyle. Haruka's personality is typically calm and composed, often coming across as aloof. However, he is intensely passionate and competitive when it comes to swimming. He values water and swimming above all else, often finding it a source of peace and freedom. Throughout the series, Haruka navigates friendships and rivalries, particularly with his childhood friend and rival, Rin Matsuoka, as they all strive to achieve their dreams in competitive swimming.