Would the Story Be More Exciting or Boring If Dekisugi Were the Protagonist?
Hello! This is a super interesting question—I've actually discussed it with friends before. If Dekisugi (often called Smartie in some regions) became the protagonist, Doraemon would undergo a dramatic transformation.
My take: The story might gain depth, but from a mass entertainment perspective, it would likely become far less engaging.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of why.
What Would Happen If Dekisugi Were the Protagonist?
Imagine how the classic plot formula would change if Doraemon’s "project" shifted from Nobita to Dekisugi.
1. The Core Conflict Vanishes
What’s Doraemon’s iconic story cycle?
Nobita faces a problem (failing a test, being bullied by Gian, wanting a new toy) → Begs Doraemon for help in tears → Doraemon relents and pulls out a gadget → Nobita misuses the gadget, making a mess of things → Chaotic, hilarious fallout ensues, ending with a small lesson learned
This formula works because of Nobita’s flaws. His laziness, cowardice, and greed fuel the plot. We’re hooked by how he turns a winning hand (magic gadgets) into a disaster—a process bursting with drama and humor.
But with Dekisugi as the lead?
Dekisugi encounters an issue (e.g., testing a complex scientific theory) → Calmly analyzes it and requests Doraemon’s aid → Doraemon provides the perfect tool → Dekisugi uses it flawlessly and efficiently, solving the problem → The end.
See? The whole story could wrap up in 5 minutes, without a hitch.
- He’d never gorge on "Memory Bread" to avoid studying.
- He’d never erase all toys worldwide with the "What-If Phone Booth" out of envy toward Suneo.
- He’d rarely be bullied by Gian—his high EQ and likability might even make them friends.
A "perfect" protagonist lacks the drive to create chaos. Compare watching a top student solve a puzzle effortlessly versus a struggling student scheming to cheat. Which is more dramatic and funny? The answer’s obvious.
2. The Genre Shifts from "Slice-of-Life Comedy" to "Sci-Fi Exploration"
This isn’t to say Dekisugi’s stories would be unwritable. But the genre would transform entirely.
Nobita cares about exams, allowance, and Shizuka—everyday struggles. So Doraemon is a whimsical tale rooted in daily life, radiating warmth and relatability.
Dekisugi? He’d ponder the universe’s origins, humanity’s future, environmental crises, or the essence of art.
Thus, Dekisugi’s Doraemon might look like this:
- 《Drifting Through Time》: To witness the dinosaur extinction firsthand, Dekisugi and Doraemon time-travel to the Cretaceous for a thrilling scientific expedition.
- 《The AI Ethics Dilemma》: Dekisugi creates a self-aware AI using gadgets, sparking a philosophical debate on "robot rights."
- 《The Mars Terraforming Project》: For humanity’s future, Dekisugi drafts a detailed plan to colonize Mars, testing it via Doraemon’s tools.
Sound intense? These plots could be profound and intellectual, resembling Star Trek or Asimov’s sci-fi. Doraemon would evolve from a "caretaker" to a "research partner."
But this means losing the original charm: lighthearted humor and heartwarming simplicity. It would no longer be a work that makes all ages laugh while celebrating childhood and friendship.
Conclusion: Why Do We Love the Flawed Nobita?
Ultimately, Dekisugi is the "ideal," while Nobita is "reality."
- Dekisugi is who we aspire to be—perfection and achievement. His stories inspire awe, but rarely empathy.
- Nobita mirrors most of us. We’re lazy, flawed, envious, and face unsolvable problems. We see ourselves in him.
We love Doraemon not just for the gadgets, but because we become Nobita. We sympathize when he’s bullied, smirk when his pranks succeed, and chuckle when he fails—thinking, "That’s so Nobita."
Nobita’s "uselessness" gives Doraemon purpose. His imperfections make this "coming-of-age" tale genuine and precious.
So yes, with Dekisugi as the lead, the story might be "more brilliant" to sci-fi fans. But for most viewers, it would lose its soul—relatability and fun—becoming "less engaging." What we truly cherish is Nobita Nobi: the kind-hearted boy who needs help, yet never stops trying.