Noby, known in Japan as Nobita Nobi, is the central human protagonist of the Doraemon series. He is an elementary school student living in a suburban Tokyo neighborhood with his father Nobisuke, his mother Tamako, and later the robotic cat Doraemon. His great-great-grandson Sewashi travels back in time from the 22nd century to place Doraemon in Noby's life because Noby's original future was one of poverty and failure: he would marry Gian's sister, mismanage his finances, and leave his descendants in hardship. Doraemon's mission is to help Noby change that destiny.

Noby is characterized as a lazy and chronically unlucky boy. He dislikes studying and consistently earns zero scores on tests, often procrastinating on homework and arriving late to school. He is physically weak, poor at sports, and frequently bullied by his classmates Gian and Suneo. A notable running gag is his ability to fall asleep almost instantly, anywhere, and he is known for taking long naps after school. He is quick to cry and often begs Doraemon for futuristic gadgets to solve his immediate problems, whether to get revenge on his bullies, impress the girl he likes, or avoid chores.

Despite these flaws, Noby possesses a deeply kind and empathetic nature. He cannot ignore stray animals, injured creatures, or people in distress, and he often goes out of his way to help them. In the longer theatrical stories, he displays remarkable courage, risking his life to protect his friends or even entire civilizations. His poor academic performance appears to stem more from laziness than lack of intelligence; he occasionally shows creativity in using Doraemon's gadgets in unexpected ways. He also has two exceptional talents: extraordinary marksmanship with any kind of shooting game or weapon, and a high level of skill at cat's cradle (string figures). These abilities rarely translate into everyday success, but they become crucial in his adventures.

Noby's primary motivation throughout the series is to improve his circumstances, though he usually seeks shortcuts rather than hard work. He desires Shizuka's affection, wants to avoid punishment from his parents and teachers, and wishes to gain the upper hand over his tormentors. Over time, his experiences with Doraemon teach him the value of effort and friendship, and he gradually learns to stand up for himself. However, because the series largely follows an episodic format, his development is often reset, with genuine growth most evident in the feature-length films.

His most important relationship is with Doraemon, who acts as both a caretaker and a close friend. Despite Noby's frequent misuse of gadgets and Doraemon's exasperation, they share a deep, unbreakable bond. Noby is infatuated with his classmate Shizuka, a kind and intelligent girl who eventually becomes his wife in the revised future timeline. He also counts Gian and Suneo as friends, though they regularly bully and mock him. Gian's aggression and Suneo's arrogance are constant sources of frustration, yet in times of real danger, the group comes together as loyal companions. Noby also harbors a quiet jealousy toward the gifted student Dekisugi, who shares Shizuka's interests and academic success, but he remains on good terms with him.

In summary, Noby is a flawed but fundamentally good-hearted boy whose struggles with laziness, fear, and inadequacy are central to the series' comedy and drama. His journey, supported by Doraemon, highlights themes of friendship, perseverance, and the idea that even an ordinary person can achieve extraordinary things when pushed by love and necessity.