It was previously believed that purple dragons were exclusively female, but this is not the case. Recent environmental shifts have revealed the existence of both genders of this breed. Female behavior is well known; they are primarily herbivores but will eat meat during mating season. On the other hand, very little is known about the behavior and habits of male purple dragons.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Hypatia is a member of the Amazon subclan, and has chosen the title Sophia to emphasize her focus on learning, knowledge and wisdom. She is a very studious dragon, and has spent time studying with every teacher she can find, including many in her own clan. She has become a brilliant mathematician and logician, and she will teach any pupil, human, dragon, or dinosaur, who comes to her willing to learn. (No chicken has ever sought her instruction, but she'd probably teach it if it did.) She eats in moderation, and carefully plans her diet and exercise to maintain her excellent health, seeking the ideal of "a sound mind in a healthy body". Possibly her only irrational characteristic is a vigorous dislike of oysters.