Kaneki Ken, the main character, continues to grapple with his identity as a half-ghoul, half-human hybrid. He is conflicted about consuming human flesh to survive and faces a moral dilemma as he navigates his new life. Kaneki's connection to Rize Kamishiro, the ghoul who initially turned him into a half-ghoul, continues to haunt him. Memories and visions of Rize impact his decisions and emotional state, adding to his inner turmoil. Kaneki is also faced by a group of ghouls known as the Gourmet Ghouls, who indulge in the consumption of unique and exotic humans. They are a dangerous and mysterious faction that creates tension and fear among both ghouls and humans. Also in this volume, Touka, a prominent ghoul character, becomes a pivotal figure. She helps Kaneki learn more about the ghoul world, including the dangers and challenges they face. The two develop a close relationship as they share their experiences and fears.

As Kaneki's relationships with ghouls and humans evolve, he becomes entangled in a web of conflicting emotions, loyalties, and desires. Volume 3 introduces new characters, both ghoul and human, each with their own motivations and secrets. The intense action scenes and psychological battles that characterize the series are prominent as conflicts between ghouls and the CCG escalate.