Bakabon is a dim-witted young boy prone to mischief, particularly alongside his father. Initially the narrative's protagonist, he shifted to a supporting role as his father's antics took center stage. His full name remains undisclosed, and his surname-less family is identified solely through relational ties.

Residing in Tokyo's Naka-ochiai neighborhood within Shinjuku ward, Bakabon's household bears a "Bakabon" nameplate for his recognition. The family's financial standing is ambiguous, though Bakabon works part-time as a shoeshine boy—a role revealing his underlying kindness when he saves earnings to buy his mother a birthday gift. His appearance consistently features a kimono worn without pants underneath.

He first attended Bokenasu Elementary School, later renamed Bakada Elementary School. Within his family, Bakabon frequently enables his father's nonsensical schemes, counterbalanced by his mother's common sense. His infant brother Hajime displays extraordinary intelligence, creating a stark contrast with Bakabon's foolishness.

Beyond the household, Bakabon interacts with recurring figures: Rerere no Oji-san, an eccentric neighbor who exclaims "Rerere" when bewildered, and Omawari-san, a trigger-happy police officer. These encounters heighten the absurdity of his experiences. Specific escapades include mistaking a pig for a pet cat or misidentifying buried bottle caps as treasure—misunderstandings his father often exploits for chaotic outcomes.

Over time, Bakabon solidified as his father's sidekick, facilitating the older man's outrageous escapades while maintaining his core traits of naive foolishness interspersed with sporadic kindness.