Barbapapa is a pink, pear-shaped, blob-like creature who serves as the central figure and patriarch of the Barbapapa family. His origins are unique, as he did not come from another of his kind but rather grew directly from the ground in a human family's garden. This beginning sets the stage for his role as a gentle outsider trying to find his place in the human world.

In terms of personality, Barbapapa is defined by his unwavering kindness, cheerfulness, and gentle nature. Despite his enormous size compared to humans, he is never threatening or aggressive. He approaches every situation with a warm smile and a willingness to lend a hand, embodying a sense of boundless optimism. His primary motivation is a simple but profound one: to help others and solve problems using his unique abilities. This drive is purely altruistic, as he asks for nothing in return for his good deeds, finding satisfaction in bringing harmony and happiness to those around him. This is exemplified in one of his earliest stories, where he earns the gratitude of a community by transforming himself into a staircase to rescue people from a burning building.

Barbapapa's most famous and defining ability is his power to shapeshift at will. By uttering the magical phrase "Clickety Click—Barba Trick," he can transform his body into virtually any shape or object he can imagine. This is not merely a party trick but the primary tool he uses to navigate the world and assist others. Whether he needs to become a bridge to cross a river, a boat to sail the seas, a ladder to reach a high place, or any other object, his flexibility is virtually limitless. His default form is the familiar pear-like shape, but he always retains his recognizable pink color and his kind face, no matter what he transforms into.

His most significant relationship is with Barbamama, a more slender, black-colored female of his species whom he meets after traveling the world in search of others like himself. The connection between them is immediate and tender; a defining moment of their meeting involves Barbapapa picking a flower for her, a token she keeps on her head as a permanent symbol of their bond. Together, they form the loving core of a large family. They become the parents of seven children, each a distinct color of the rainbow, with their own unique personalities and interests: Barbazoo (yellow, nature), Barbalala (green, music), Barbalib (orange, books), Barbabravo (red, sports), Barbabright (blue, science), Barbabelle (purple, beauty), and Barbabeau (black, art). As a father, Barbapapa is a source of unwavering support and gentle guidance, encouraging his children's individual passions while using his problem-solving skills to keep the family unit harmonious.

Throughout the story, Barbapapa serves as the loving patriarch and primary problem-solver, often taking the lead in adventures that involve helping his family or other creatures. His role evolves from a solitary being looking for a place to belong to the anchor of a bustling, diverse family. While his core personality remains consistently good-natured, his experiences as a husband and father give him a greater sense of purpose and responsibility. One notable example of the family's collective development and his leadership is the story of Barbapapa's Ark, where the entire family, dismayed by pollution and the mistreatment of animals, transforms into a rocket ship to leave Earth. This act forces the humans to recognize their mistakes, clean up their environment, and invite the Barbapapas to return, demonstrating Barbapapa's role in advocating for ecological themes.