Atsuko Urameshi is the mother of the series' main protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi. She is a single parent who gave birth to Yusuke when she was only fourteen years old. At the start of the story, she is depicted as being twenty-nine years old. Her own parents are not present in her daily life, and her husband, Yusuke's father, is absent with no detailed information provided about him.

Atsuko's personality is defined by her struggles with the pressures of single motherhood. She is frequently shown to be an alcoholic, often appearing disheveled, drunk, or passed out, which is presented as a primary coping mechanism for dealing with her difficult life circumstances. Her outward behavior toward Yusuke is often characterized by sarcastic remarks, frustration, and emotional distance, creating a tumultuous relationship with her son. She is aware of her own shortcomings as a parent and deeply fears that Yusuke will repeat her mistakes, leading to a driving motivation for her to want him to have a better life than she has had.

Despite her rough exterior and ineffective parenting style, Atsuko genuinely loves her son. This deep care is hidden beneath her cynicism but becomes most evident during moments of crisis. The true extent of her love is powerfully illustrated when she weeps in grief at Yusuke's wake after his unexpected death, a moment that helps him understand her feelings for the first time. Following his revival, her character begins to evolve, showing more protective instincts and becoming more involved in his life, with a new fear of losing him again. She shifts from being a source of neglectful frustration to a more cautious, supportive figure who recognizes his potential and the dangers of his role as a Spirit Detective.

Her role in the story is primarily that of an emotional anchor for Yusuke. Her presence grounds the supernatural narrative in the stark reality of human struggle and familial bonds. Her struggles serve as a backdrop that helps to explain Yusuke's own rebellious and tough personality, and her evolution from a struggling parent to a more concerned and supportive mother mirrors his own journey of growth. She is not a fighter in the main storyline, but in the manga, she demonstrates some spiritual awareness, being able to see and sense demons. In one instance in the manga, she is even shown fighting alongside another character, suggesting a hidden capability for violence that she refers to as her salad days.