Nobi Nobita is a fourth-grade student and only child living in Tokyo. He is a fundamentally flawed protagonist, marked by laziness, poor academic performance, and a lack of athletic ability. Nobita often encounters misfortune during adventures with Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future. Despite his shortcomings, his efforts to overcome personal flaws form a central aspect of his narrative.

The background involves Nobita's descendants in the 22nd century living in poverty due to his continued failures and poor decisions. To change this future, Doraemon is sent back to guide Nobita toward better choices and improved circumstances. However, Doraemon's own mechanical imperfections and occasional dysfunction sometimes complicate these efforts.

Nobita participates in various adventures, often using futuristic gadgets from Doraemon's four-dimensional pocket. These tools frequently lead to unintended consequences through misuse or poor judgment, creating further complications. The narrative emphasizes Nobita's weaknesses while also highlighting his moments of personal growth and perseverance.

Across different media, Nobita engages in numerous storylines involving interactions with historical figures, adventures in prehistoric settings, and journeys to fictional kingdoms. In one instance, he encounters a perfect double named Prince Thio in a Mayan-inspired civilization and exchanges roles with him to combat an antagonistic force.

The character appears in various seasonal specials, including New Year-themed narratives. Nobita's experiences remain consistent across appearances, maintaining his core characteristics while demonstrating gradual development through accumulated experiences.