Honekawa Sunemaru is an ancestor of the familiar character Suneo Honekawa, originating from the Edo period in Japan. He is a central figure in the specific storyline of the anime Dorami-chan: Wow, The Kid Gang of Bandits, appearing as a key character within that historical setting. Sunemaru comes from a wealthy family, which provides him with a life of material comfort, yet this economic privilege is contrasted by a profound sense of loneliness. His parents are frequently preoccupied with their work and social obligations, leaving them with little time to dedicate to their son. This emotional neglect is the primary cause of his deep-seated insecurity and his constant, almost desperate, need for attention and validation from his peers.

In terms of personality, Sunemaru presents a complex mixture of traits. He is often seen as a braggart, prone to boasting about his family's riches, his possessions, and his social standing. This behavior, which might initially appear as arrogance, is largely a mask for his underlying feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being forgotten or overlooked. He can be somewhat cowardly and is often hesitant to place himself in dangerous or physically demanding situations, preferring the safety and comfort of his privileged environment. However, despite these less admirable characteristics, he possesses a fundamentally kind and loyal heart. When his friends face genuine peril or need assistance, Sunemaru is frequently willing to put aside his fears and his vanity to help them, even at significant personal risk. His loyalty to those he considers close is a core part of his character, overriding his more selfish tendencies in critical moments.

Within the story of the film, Sunemaru serves as a pivotal figure whose personal struggles drive much of the plot. His role is intertwined with the time-traveling adventures of Dorami, Doraemon's sister, and her companions as they encounter this historical "kid gang of bandits." His motivations are rooted in his desire to be respected and to form genuine connections, which makes him susceptible to being impressed by status and possessions, yet ultimately yearning for true friendship. Key relationships define his world. His bond with the ancestral version of Nobita, often called Nobisaku, is particularly significant, acting as a parallel to the friendship shared by their descendants. They support each other despite their personality differences. The robotic cat Doraemon and his sister Dorami also become crucial figures in his life, with his interactions with Dorami often revealing a more compassionate and understanding side to his nature, as she tends to see past his boasting to his lonely core.

Sunemaru's character experiences notable development when faced with the extraordinary events of the film. The adventure forces him to confront his own weaknesses and to act with courage and selflessness, moving beyond the shallow, boastful persona he cultivates. He learns that true value lies not in wealth or possessions but in the bravery and loyalty of friends. While he shares a striking physical resemblance to his descendant Suneo, including a fox-like face and a slender build, Sunemaru is often depicted as a more loyal and ultimately compassionate individual. His notable abilities include being a reasonably skilled samurai for his age, demonstrating competence in swordsmanship and archery. He is also portrayed as intelligent and resourceful, capable of devising clever plans under pressure. This combination of a flawed but fundamentally good-hearted personality, hidden bravery, and a longing for genuine connection makes him a memorable character in the Doraemon universe.