Last reviewed on 2026-05-02
Goku (Son Goku)
Super SaiyanThe main protagonist and the most powerful Z-Fighter. A pure-hearted Saiyan raised on Earth who constantly pushes beyond his limits. Can achieve Super Saiyan, Ultra Instinct, and numerous other transformations.
Vegeta
Prince of SaiyansThe proud Prince of all Saiyans who starts as a villain and becomes Earth's defender. His rivalry with Goku drives him to constantly grow stronger. Achieves Super Saiyan Blue and Ultra Ego transformations.
Gohan
Goku's SonGoku's half-Saiyan son with enormous hidden potential. Defeats Cell in his SSJ2 form. Later unlocks his Mystic/Ultimate form. In Super Hero, achieves Beast form — a transformation surpassing all prior limits.
Piccolo
Namekian WarriorFormer villain turned Gohan's mentor and devoted Z-Fighter. A Namekian who can regenerate limbs and stretch his arms. Achieves the Orange Piccolo and Potential Unleashed forms in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Frieza
Emperor of the UniverseThe tyrannical emperor responsible for destroying Planet Vegeta. One of the most iconic villains in anime history. Later achieves Golden Frieza and Black Frieza transformations. Becomes an unlikely ally in Tournament of Power.
Cell
Bio-AndroidAn android created from the cells of the greatest warriors. Absorbs Androids 17 and 18 to achieve Perfect Form. His Cell Games arc ends with Gohan's legendary SSJ2 transformation. Returns as Cell Max in Super Hero.
Majin Buu
Magical BeingAncient magical creature with multiple forms from childlike Fat Buu to the terrifying Kid Buu. Can absorb others to gain their power. His pure form is considered one of the most dangerous threats in the universe.
Broly
Legendary Super SaiyanThe Legendary Super Saiyan whose power grows endlessly in battle. The canon DBS version is a gentle giant manipulated into fighting. Unleashes devastating power that rivals even Goku and Vegeta's fusion, Gogeta.
Beerus
God of DestructionThe God of Destruction of Universe 7, accompanied by his angel Whis. Cat-like in appearance and personality — lazy, selfish, but incredibly powerful. His appetite for food rivals his power. Motivated Goku to achieve SSG.
Whis
Angel AttendantBeerus's angelic attendant and trainer. Possibly the strongest being in Universe 7. Calm and methodical, he teaches Goku and Vegeta to master their godly ki through intense training on Beerus's planet.
Krillin
Z-FighterGoku's best friend and one of Earth's strongest humans. Master of the Destructo Disc and Kamehameha. Marries Android 18 and has a daughter, Marron. Often comic relief but genuinely powerful and courageous.
Android 17
AndroidCyborg created by Dr. Gero. Becomes a park ranger after Cell Saga. MVP of the Tournament of Power, winning the tournament single-handedly. His wish restores all erased universes, showing true heroism.
Future Trunks
Half-SaiyanVegeta and Bulma's son from an alternate future ravaged by the Androids. Travels back in time to warn the Z-Fighters. Achieves Super Saiyan Rage in the Future Trunks Arc of DBS. Noble warrior burdened by loss.
Goten
Goku's Youngest SonGoku's youngest son and Trunks's best friend. Youngest Super Saiyan ever achieved. Fuses with Trunks to become Gotenks. Cheerful and carefree, inheriting his father's kind nature and combat talent.
Jiren
Pride TrooperUniverse 11's strongest warrior and rival to Goku in the Tournament of Power. His power surpasses his own God of Destruction. A stoic loner who believes strength is the only truth, shattered by Goku's Ultra Instinct.
Zamasu / Goku Black
Rogue KaiCorrupted Supreme Kai apprentice who steals Goku's body to become Goku Black. Fuses with his alternate self to become Fused Zamasu. Pursues the Zero Mortals Plan to eradicate all mortals from existence.
About Dragon Ball Characters
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is one of the most influential anime/manga franchises ever created. Beginning with Goku's childhood adventures, it grew into Dragon Ball Z, GT, and Super.
From Saiyan warriors and cosmic tyrants to gods and angels, the Dragon Ball universe features characters whose power levels and transformations have defined the battle anime genre for decades.
Goku and Vegeta is one of the canonical examples of a rivalry that scales indefinitely without resolving — explored alongside Naruto/Sasuke and Light/L in iconic rivalries in long-running series. For how Dragon Ball's repeated power-inflation cycles shape "who beats whom" debates, see the power scaling reader's guide.