The 10 Worst-Written Characters in Dragon Ball, Ranked

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Dragon Ball Z is filled with numerous characters, their progression, and the numerous fights they participate in throughout the different story arcs. Some characters evolve into remarkable personalities that stand out in any anime, while others come up slightly short. They aren’t poor characters overall; instead, they are some of the least well-developed ones featured in the series.

As a devoted fan, I find that poorly-written characters often lack depth and growth. Many of them seem to be included solely for one-time jokes or comic relief, yet they fail to resonate as intended, either falling flat or feeling outdated. While interpretation varies among viewers, I personally struggle to overlook the frustrating storylines and character progressions these characters have exhibited over time.

Discussing the reasons why their writing isn’t top-notch or disorganized, this rundown will highlight my biggest pet peeves, and explain why these issues led to their placement on this list. I don’t believe they are abysmal characters, but a shift in approach or change of direction could have prevented each one from making it onto this list.

10.
Son Goku

Too Pure For His Own Good

In the narrative, it’s Goku, the decisive figure who often seals victories in battles, that can be quite exasperating to root for. If you’re among Vegeta’s supporters, you’re likely nodding in agreement, as Goku has snatched wins left and right. Interestingly, even when he’s not physically present, his influence on the battle outcome is still palpable, such as when Gohan summoned the power to vanquish Perfect Cell.

The audience often finds it frustrating that Goku’s kind-heartedness frequently interferes with completing tasks effectively. For instance, instead of killing Frieza on Namek, Goku opted to spare him by sharing some energy and giving him a warning. In addition, when he had the chance to let Gohan fight Perfect Cell at less than full strength, Goku gave the android a Senzu Bean. It’s essential to recognize when it’s time to act more strategically instead of always being a superhero.

9.
Mr. Satan (Hercule)

Delusional To No End

It’s worth mentioning that several characters from this list fall into the humorous category within Dragon Ball Z. Among the less serious characters, Mr. Satan stands out as perhaps the least appealing one. He is known for being loud, boisterous, and excessively self-absorbed. Mr. Satan has a habit of claiming victories in battles where he had no actual involvement. It’s almost surprising to think that his rise to becoming a champion fighter might not have been based on genuine skill but rather a fabrication from the start.

As a gamer, if someone were a bit reserved, showing up at the last second to claim victory, I’d get it. But Mr. Satan, he’s convinced he’s right and the strongest fighter on Earth. It was almost rewarding to see Perfect Cell smack him into a mountain, which Team Four Star nailed in their fan dub, with Vegeta cracking up after the deed.

8.
Chi Chi

Natural Fighter Turned Homemaker

Chi Chi stood out as a character with depth, an engaging backstory, and qualities worth supporting. In the original Dragon Ball series, she was a formidable fighter who could hold her own against even the toughest opponents, making it understandable why Goku found himself smitten. The prospect of these skilled combatants becoming lovers and forming the strongest couple on Earth was promising. Regrettably, their relationship was ultimately diminished in later series.

Instead, Chi Chi transformed into a respectable homemaker who frequently scolded Goku for his absence and lack of financial provision. She even went so far as to make him obtain a driver’s license. Her strict discipline extended to Gohan as well, compelling him to concentrate on academics rather than martial arts training, which hindered him from reaching his full potential.

7.
Frieza

We Get It, You’re Evil

In an unexpected twist, some might find it surprising that Frieza is included on this list, given his reputation. However, despite the admiration for his authoritarian style and popularity among fans, Frieza’s character lacks depth beyond these aspects. His frequent resurrections have contributed to a perception of him as a one-dimensional villain with minimal development or substance.

Frieza consistently seeks immortality and supremacy across the universe, often targeting the Saiyans, specifically Goku and Vegeta. However, his pursuit of strength comes at a price as he repeatedly meets his demise. This cycle continues due to his obsession with surpassing the Saiyans, a goal that has become a grim routine for Frieza.

6.
Master Roshi

When Perversion Takes Over

Over time, Master Roshi transitions from being a humorously entertaining character to one whose inappropriate behavior becomes increasingly hard to find amusing. His antics such as nosebleeds and fainting can still elicit laughter, but his persistent lewdness tends to be less enjoyable over time.

Prior to joining the Tournament of Power, Master Roshi consistently ogles attractive females, putting himself in harm’s way due to his lewd behavior. Despite this, it’s worth noting that he has a respectable reputation on the battlefield and has trained notable individuals like Goku and Krillin. However, it’s high time he stopped acting inappropriately!

5.
Caulifla

A Super Saiyan That Felt Forced

Throughout her stint in Dragon Ball Super, Caulifla emerged as a determined yet somewhat headstrong character who hailed from another dimension. Similar to the universe inhabited by Goku and Vegeta, there were Saiyans dwelling on other planets too. The introduction of characters such as Caulifla and Cabba initially enriched the narrative, but as events unfolded, their continued presence grew harder to accept for many viewers.

In a different phrasing, we could say: Caulifla’s character lacks complexity as she primarily desires strength and combat, resembling Goku in many ways. However, the issue arises when she learns to transform into Super Saiyan, as it seemed unreasonable and peculiar. The process appears simple for her – focusing on her back muscles and channeling energy – whereas Goku’s friend had to sacrifice his life. Instead, Caulifla only needs concentration, which seems starkly contrasted with the hardships Goku faced.

4.
Kale

Unwarranted Legendary Super Saiyan Status

In comparison to Caulifla, kale seems to have an excessive surge in power without a clear justification. In kale’s instance, her ability to attain Legendary Super Saiyan status seemed almost contrived or unexpected. When their universe was on the verge of destruction and both Kale and Caulifla were close to being wiped out, she inexplicably gained an extraordinary power that audiences had seen displayed only once previously.

In a turn of events, not only could Kale tap into her immense power, but she managed to keep it from overwhelming her – a challenge Broly, in his Legendary Super Saiyan form, struggled with. Previously, we witnessed how the power consumed Broly entirely, as he never found a way to control it, but that’s not the case for Kale; she mastered it on the very day she unlocked it. It seems that Saiyans from Universe 6 possess unique abilities.

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3.
Oolong

Gives Master Roshi A Run For His Money

Oolong, the beloved animated pig from your favorite series, shares similarities with Master Roshi in that they are both pigs. However, creator Akira Toriyama often incorporated characters with suggestive or lewd traits during his drawing phase, and Oolong is an excellent example of this style. At times, he can be irritating to the point where you might find yourself involuntarily rolling your eyes, but in its worst form, he serves as a reminder of what was considered acceptable decades ago.

Reflecting on the difficulty in collecting the dragon balls to make a wish, Oolong’s request for a pair of undergarments was initially humorous, but it ended up irritating many. A wish that could have been granted for almost anything else, and yet this pig desired underwear. Despite his limited screen time, even brief appearances by Oolong seem to disrupt the viewing experience.

2.
Broly (Dragon Ball Z)

More Bark Than Bite

One strong aspect of Dragon Ball Super: Broly was its thoughtful portrayal of the Legendary Super Saiyan, providing depth through character growth. Unlike the original Broly who remained static with only one appearance in a non-canonical film and no relevance to the main series, this revised version brought him into the canon, sparking fans’ interest and desire for more stories featuring him.

Initially, Broly’s appearance lacked depth and complexity. Rather than being a well-rounded character, he was designed as an unstoppable force, serving as an adversary for the Saiyans in the storyline. It’s surprising that such a powerful character was under someone else’s control, and even after going berserk, Broly transformed into a challenge for Goku to conquer, much like a towering mountain.

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1.
Jiren

Flat, Boring, And Uninspired

As a devoted Dragon Ball Super fan, I can’t help but express my thoughts about Jiren, who unfortunately falls short in both intrigue and excitement. Despite his significant role as the captain and main character of Universe 11 during the Tournament of Power arc, his portrayal left me yearning for more. Jiren was not just the leader of the Pride Troopers, a group that protected their universe, but he also embodied its safety. However, it’s unfortunate that his character lacked the spark that could have made him more engaging and entertaining.

Was he powerful? Indeed, but it wasn’t until Goku mastered Ultra Instinct that he could inflict sustained damage, and even then, it wasn’t sufficient. The monotony of Jiren lies in his lack of depth; he is solely focused, emotionless, and fails to ignite excitement among spectators. Even the closing scenes of his arc in Dragon Ball Super suggested a potential re-encounter with Goku, which was met with a collective sigh and shrug by the audience.

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2025-05-29 19:39