Formerly the head of the Duwumbu orphanage on Batuu, Maratha Starbuckler, nurtured her motherly instincts. She cared for and took care of the children and was very protective of them. She didn't develop this personality, it was always there and will forever be. This has even carried over to the members of her clan where she offers advice, sometimes unwanted, takes care of her 'babies' and is fiercely protective of them. However, as with all mothers, this drive can be off-putting or seen as excessive to members who don't appreciate her meddling.

When Ma Starbuckler does things, she makes sure everything is done correctly, no matter how long it takes. This means there are frequent delays in Ma Starbuckler's work, but it's usually done right, at least.

Ma is in tune with the emotions of those she is surrounded by and is able to pick up on emotions and or problems that others may be experiencing. While caring and nurturing, don't poke mama bear as she is quick to use this to her advantage in getting people to open up or reveal information that they otherwise would not reveal. Calm, patient, but cunning. Sometimes those with a higher resolve are able to see through her hidden agendas. This can make them shut down completely which is of no benefit to Ma, or it could potentially lead to violence if she does not tread carefully.

While generally laid back and more than happy to offer a quip of sarcasm, Ma Starbuckler's entire demeanor changes once combat begins. She becomes focused and quiet, with her smile replaced with a look of grim determination.

When it comes to a fight, some like to posture, some like to act tough, some like to dance around and go through all sorts of fancy footwork. Ma Starbuckler? Ma Starbuckler doesn't bother with exotic battle stances, intricate maneuvers, or super-secret tactics. Ma Starbuckler, when cornered into a fight, prefers the ancient technique of a good kick to the nuts. And if that won't work, either because the enemy is a woman or has balls of steel, Ma Starbuckler isn't beyond pulling a few more cheap tricks out of the bag. Granted, Ma Starbuckler won't be winning any medals for nobility or any prestige for a unique fighting style or a superb maneuver, but Ma Starbuckler will still be winning, the best and most dirty way she knows how.

Sometimes the only way to prepare for the worst is to always expect it. Ma Starbuckler takes this philosophy one step further by never leaving home without accounting for every possible scenario she might expect to encounter. Ma Starbuckler tends to always have the right tool or item for a situation and has a habit of quietly and almost smugly presenting solutions before anyone even recognizes there is a problem. This foresight is far from infallible, however, and she often finds herself at a loss in situations that go beyond what she could have imagined. While incredibly practical and often a life-saver in a pinch, her perpetually pessimistic outlook on daily life can be a bit draining on more optimistic-inclined companions.