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.

It's very purpley feels that no matter what she does—train in magics, teach difficult concepts, bring in tourists—the humans dismiss them and don't take her seriously. They call her "It's very purpley" or "Purpley" knowing she's loathed it since she was eight. "It's not cute, it's stupid and shallow," she says. "Even the most vapid dragon would disprove of a name so insipid." Her humans do not see what's wrong with it, but they become equally indignant when she calls them brownies.