Normal force is always a perpendicular force to the surface of the applied force.
It is NOT always parallel to Gravity
Force that once surface exerts on another. Friction depends on how hard 2 surfaces push together. That’s why friction is dependent on
If something pushes up on you, the normal force with the ground is less, you feel a bit lighter. If something pushes down on you, the normal force is more, you feel heavier.