Doraemon is a robotic cat dispatched from the 22nd century to assist Nobita Nobi, a boy facing constant struggles. His core mission involves improving Nobita's situation to secure a better future for Nobita's descendants. He is a factory-reject model purchased by Nobita's great-great-grandson due to limited finances. Physically, he appears as a blue, earless robotic cat; his original ears were consumed by a mouse, establishing his profound rodent phobia.
A defining characteristic is his four-dimensional pocket, holding futuristic gadgets intended to aid Nobita. These tools often cause unintended consequences when misused, though they sometimes facilitate meaningful growth. In the "Doraemon Comes Back" narrative, he announces an unavoidable return to his original era. This departure, prompted by external mandates or a belief in Nobita's need for self-reliance, causes emotional distress for both. His concern for Nobita manifests when he witnesses Nobita's fierce fight against Gian. Seeing Nobita's unwavering resolve and ultimate victory reassures him about Nobita's resilience, allowing him to depart with relative peace of mind.
After his departure, Nobita discovers the "Lies 800" potion, which materializes the opposite of any falsehood spoken by its user. Accidentally under its influence, Nobita laments that Doraemon will never return. This untrue statement, due to the potion's effect, directly causes Doraemon's reappearance, enabling their emotional reunion. This specific narrative arc, particularly the potion's role in his return, appears in multiple adaptations: the 1979 anime special, the 1998 short film, the 2005 anime special, and the 2014 film *Stand by Me Doraemon*.
He consistently exhibits deep loyalty and emotional investment in Nobita's growth. His initial sadness about leaving shifts into pride upon witnessing evidence of Nobita's burgeoning independence. Ultimately, their bond proves strong enough to overcome temporal separation, often facilitated by futuristic interventions.