Bakabon begins as the primary protagonist in the manga and media franchise, portrayed as a dim-witted yet kind-hearted young boy. His name fuses the Kansai slang term "baka no bonbon" (meaning "dumb child") with the French word "Vagabond," emphasizing themes of foolishness and wandering. He frequently embarks on outrageous adventures with his father, referred to as "Bakabon's Papa."

Traditionally clad in a kimono without pants underneath, Bakabon balances mischievous antics with genuine kindness—exemplified by working as a shoeshine boy to afford his mother’s birthday gift. He first attends Bokenasu Elementary School (Idiot Elementary School), later renamed Bakada Elementary School (Stupid Elementary School) in adaptations.

As the series progresses, the narrative focus shifts to his father, reducing Bakabon to a secondary role where he enables his father’s absurd schemes. His family includes his rational mother ("Bakabon’s Mama") and genius younger brother Hajime, whose infantile demonstrations of advanced knowledge starkly contrast with Bakabon’s simplicity.

Storylines often feature Bakabon assisting his father in chaotic plots, like an April Fools' prank using a fake severed arm to deceive neighbors, showcasing his gullibility and eagerness to follow paternal leads. Recurring characters like Rerere no Oji-san—a neighbor who reacts to chaos with "Rerere"—and the trigger-happy police officer Omawari-san highlight Bakabon’s role in inciting community disruptions.

The 1971 anime adaptation expanded his school life with new classmates and teachers, tempering the manga’s absurdity for more conventional scenarios. Later adaptations, particularly *Ganso Tensai Bakabon* (1975–1977), revived the chaotic humor, reinforcing Bakabon’s position as a catalyst for his father’s antics. Across all official media, his portrayal remains consistently that of a perpetually foolish yet good-natured figure supporting his father’s dominant role.