Shōta Ōhara, known as Sho-chan, is the youngest son of the Ōhara family and an elementary school student living with his parents and older brother, Shin'ichi Ōhara. He struggles academically, often ranking near the bottom of his class. His daily routine involves school life and interactions with classmates: the bully Tsuyoshi Saigō (nicknamed "Godzilla"), a smart peer called "Hakase" (Professor), wealthy Kizao Kiza who frequently sides with Godzilla, and female classmate Yoshiko Koizumi, known as "Yotchan".

Sho-chan's defining relationship is with the ghost Q-Taro. He discovered Q-Taro's egg in a forest and brought it home, leading to Q-Taro hatching and joining the Ōhara household. They share a close bond, affectionately calling each other "Q-chan" and "Shō-chan". Their friendship drives many stories, typically featuring Q-Taro's comical misunderstandings of human society that Sho-chan helps resolve. Sho-chan sometimes argues with Q-Taro over the ghost's mischief, though their conflicts are brief.

In the manga's final chapter, Sho-chan matures significantly over a 12-year period. As an adult, he reunites with Q-Taro during a celebration for the ghost's return. Sho-chan's maturity and independence mean he no longer relies on Q-Taro, creating emotional distance. Q-Taro, whose ghostly nature prevents him from aging normally, perceives himself as a burden to the adult Sho-chan and decides to return permanently to the spirit world. This conclusion marks the evolution of their relationship from childhood adventures to acknowledging Sho-chan's adulthood.

Sho-chan's background and development remain consistent across all official media, including manga serializations, anime adaptations, and films like *Obake no Q-Taro: Susume! 1/100 Daisakusen*. His character is defined by being Q-Taro's primary human friend, his family relationships, and his school life, with no major deviations or additional backstory in spin-offs or extended media.