Atherton is usually calm, collected and attentive. He knows when to speak, and when to listen, but will not hesitate to cut in if someone is being foolish or stubborn. He values logic, but understands the importance of emotion, and will hear someone out if they are prepared to explain themselves rationally. While he has no particular need to go out of his way to protect and nurture others, when 'on the job' so to speak, he will do everything in his power to defend his allies from harm. He is naturally curious, inquisitive and even cheerful, though tends towards a more reserved presence than the more boistrous and socially aggressive types.

Atherton's mind is never at rest. He has a tendency to seem distracted when listening to others, even when he is giving them almost his full attention - his eyes will dart around the room, he will count stars, the buttons on someone's shirt, anything to keep his mind active. Lately, he's taken to carrying a number of smooth stones in his pocket, so he can count them in his pocket while listening, so that he appears less distracted. Atherton also finds it hard to contain his amusement if he finds something funny. Consequently, he almost always has a faint smirk on his face.

A small, unimposing man, Atherton makes up for his lack of stature with his striking features, and fashionable dress. He has mid-length blond hair held in place by a circlet in the current noble fashion, and wears sharply tailored clothes in dark colours with brighter highlights. Blue-eyed and fresh-faced with a slight build, he looks younger than his 21 years, though his maturity is obvious when he speaks.