Tamako Nobi, often referred to simply as Nobita's mother, is a central figure in the Doraemon series. Her maiden name is Tamako Kataoka, and she is the wife of Nobisuke Nobi and the mother of their son, Nobita Nobi. She is a homemaker who spends the majority of her time managing the household, including cooking, cleaning, and other domestic duties, occasionally receiving help from Doraemon with these tasks when she requests it.

Her personality is defined by a serious, responsible, and sometimes strict demeanor, particularly concerning Nobita's academic performance. She is highly attentive to his test scores, which are usually poor, and she frequently scolds him for his laziness, procrastination, and tendency to hide his results. Her disciplinary methods primarily involve lengthy lectures rather than physical punishment. Despite this stern exterior, she genuinely cares for Nobita and Doraemon and acts out of a desire for Nobita to succeed and develop good habits. She can be hot-headed in moments of frustration but generally maintains a calm and composed presence. Her motivations center on raising Nobita to be a responsible and capable person, reflecting the pressures and expectations of a typical parent in an ordinary suburban household.

In the story, Tamako serves as the primary parental authority figure in Nobita's daily life, appearing much more frequently than her husband, who is often away at work. Her role is to enforce rules, set boundaries, and provide the domestic stability that contrasts with the chaotic adventures Nobita has with Doraemon's gadgets. She is also aware of Doraemon's existence and abilities and occasionally asks the robot cat to use his gadgets to solve practical household problems. Her character functions as a grounding force, reminding the audience of the real-world consequences and responsibilities that Nobita frequently tries to avoid.

Her key relationships are with her son, Nobita, and with Doraemon. With Nobita, the dynamic is one of constant friction caused by his poor grades and lack of diligence, but it is also underpinned by her love and concern for his future. She expects him to improve and is disappointed when he falls short, yet she remains supportive in her own way. With Doraemon, she acts as an authority figure as well, treating him as a member of the household and sometimes relying on his help, though she remains unaware of the full scope of his futuristic interventions in Nobita's life. Her relationship with her husband is not deeply explored, but they function as a traditional married couple. Interactions with Nobita's grandmother occasionally appear, illustrating inherited family values.

The character shows little development over the course of the series, maintaining a consistent personality and set of behaviors. She does not undergo a major transformation or arc; her role is largely static, serving as a reliable, recurring presence in the episodic structure of the story. This consistency is a hallmark of the series' approach to its supporting cast.

Notable abilities include her quick thinking and practical problem-solving in household matters, as well as her capacity for quick and firm decision-making when managing Nobita. She is also portrayed as having a kind heart and a nurturing nature, despite her strictness. Her weaknesses include a fear of animals and a tendency to become anxious when she cannot control a situation.