Gon is a young Stone Age boy inhabiting a primitive world where humans and animals coexist. He shares a cave with his parents and numerous younger siblings, often tended by his mother. His family focuses on basic survival, with his father involving him in hunting expeditions, particularly for mammoths whose meat is a staple food.

Bubbling with curiosity, energy, and mischief, Gon embodies childhood within his prehistoric context. His days revolve around play, exploration, minor troubles, and simple adventures among his tribe. He forms a close bond with Dotechin, a gorilla who communicates through grunts understood by Gon and others; Dotechin acts as Gon's constant companion.

Gon harbors affection for Piko-chan, a cave girl who is his love interest. His world extends beyond the tribe, featuring encounters inspired by Japanese folklore, such as Amanojaku, a small demon-like figure adapted as an animal helper. Gon also confronts entities like a stone-cursing witch.

Across media portrayals, Gon maintains a consistent visual and behavioral style. The original 1974-1976 anime adaptation deliberately embraced the manga's raw, simple two-dimensional aesthetic and naive art style, featuring "clunky" animation. Animators utilized creative freedom, resulting in spontaneous, expressive character movements, including Gon's exaggerated reactions. A 1996 anime series (*Hajime Ningen Gon*) retained the core setting and relationships while updating character designs for newer animation techniques.