François, occasionally referred to as Francisco, is a human member of the Barbapapa universe with French nationality, characterized by his black eyes and brown hair. He belongs to a family that includes a sister named Claudine, unnamed parents, and a younger brother. First introduced in the 1970 *Barbapapa* book and the 1974 animated episode *La naissance*, François encounters Barbapapa sprouting from a garden, an event that cements his role as a trusted ally helping the shape-shifting family adapt to human society. His bond with the Barbapapas is further explored in the comic *Barbapapa and the Iceberg*, reinforcing his recurring presence in their adventures.