Norman Burg is the butler of Roger Smith, the negotiator of Paradigm City. He is a tall, dignified man of older age, with gray hair, black eyes, and an eye patch over his left eye. Forty years before the events of the series, Norman, like all residents of Paradigm, lost all memories of the past in the Event that created the City of Amnesia. Despite this loss, he retained fragments of knowledge that allowed him to care for the Smith mansion and the giant megadeus known as Big O, which was housed in an underground base beneath the property.

Norman’s primary role is to serve Roger with unwavering loyalty and efficiency. He manages the household, cooks, cleans, and ensures that hot food is always available regardless of the hour. He also acts as the chief mechanic and caretaker of Big O, maintaining the megadeus in perfect condition and keeping it ready for deployment. In addition, he services Roger’s car, the Griffon, and is believed to have designed or built many of its gadgets. When Roger needs to summon Big O, it is Norman who remotely operates the Prairie Dog transport system to deliver the robot to the surface.

Beyond domestic and mechanical duties, Norman is a capable combatant. He owns a heavily modified World War I–style motorcycle with a sidecar, equipped with armor and weapons such as a multi‑pod rocket launcher. On several occasions, he has donned military uniforms and used a large caliber machine gun with professional skill, suggesting prior military training. He is also able to perform rescue missions and defend the mansion when necessary.

Personality‑wise, Norman is the epitome of class and integrity. He is impeccably mannered, follows Roger’s strict house rules without complaint, and never openly refuses an order. However, he occasionally makes subtle remarks that highlight the flaws in some of Roger’s rules, a behavior that allows him to release his long‑buried rebelliousness without actual insubordination. He is resourceful, talented, and wise, and Roger frequently relies on his counsel to navigate the mysteries and complexities of Paradigm City and the lost memories of its citizens.

Norman’s motivations are rooted in a sense of duty and honor. He sees serving Roger as a privilege and considers his job a vital part of maintaining order in the negotiator’s life. When Roger first arrived at the mansion, Norman immediately recognized him as the master he had been waiting for, even though he could not explain why. He accepted the arrival of the android Dorothy Wayneright as his assistant, not because he needed help, but because her presence provided companionship in his daily tasks.

Throughout the story, Norman remains a steadfast support for Roger, but he also shows subtle development. The arrival of Dorothy brings a renewed vigor to the household, and Norman becomes more willing to express his own observations. He never changes his core loyalty, but his occasional remarks show a deeper engagement with the events around him.

Notable abilities include exceptional mechanical and engineering skills, particularly his unique capacity to fully repair Big O after battles, a task he sometimes accomplishes with the help of a small group of men who appear as homeless individuals until called upon. He is also an accomplished chef and possesses a high level of physical fitness and combat proficiency, as demonstrated by his use of heavy weapons and military‑style tactics.