Ranking the 10 Most Poorly Written Characters in Dragon Ball

In the iconic universe of Dragon Ball Z, character arcs and battles play a pivotal role in captivating audiences. While many characters are celebrated for their depth and growth, others fail to resonate due to poor writing. Although not all of these characters are viewed as terrible, they exhibit characteristics that hinder their potential, making them some of the most frustrating figures in the franchise.

What defines a poorly written character? A significant aspect is the absence of meaningful development. Frequently, certain characters are introduced for comedic relief but often land flat, failing to evoke the intended laughs. This list aims to delve into those characters whose narrative trajectories have been vexing, outlining what could have been improved to avoid their unfortunate placements here. Ultimately, a different path in writing might have transformed them into more beloved figures.

10 Son Goku

Too Pure For His Own Good

As the central hero, Goku is a character filled with paradoxes that stir both admiration and frustration. For fans of Vegeta, Goku’s habit of overshadowing others in battles can be particularly irksome. His involvement, even from beyond the grave—such as in Gohan’s defeat of Perfect Cell—demonstrates how his character often detracts from others’ heroic moments.

Goku’s unwavering goodness sometimes hampers his decision-making. For instance, his choice to spare Frieza’s life on Namek after an intense battle showcased his moral compass—yet it also allowed a dangerous foe to remain alive. Similarly, the moment he provided Gohan with a Senzu Bean during the Cell Games may appear generous but ultimately undermined his son’s full potential. A more strategic mindset could elevate Goku from merely a heroic figure to a more nuanced character with depth.

9 Mr. Satan (Hercule)

Delusional To No End

Among the colorful cast of Dragon Ball Z, Mr. Satan stands out as one of the least endearing characters. His loud, brash nature, combined with a grandiose sense of self-importance, often results in comedic elements that miss the mark. His insistence on taking credit for victories he did not achieve raises questions about his authenticity as a martial artist.

Had he embraced a more subtle approach, perhaps appearing at the last moment to claim a victory, he could have become a more charming figure. Unfortunately, Mr. Satan’s steadfast belief in his own superiority detracts from his likability.

8 Who Who

Natural Fighter Turned Homemaker

Chi Chi serves as a poignant example of diminished character potential. Initially portrayed as a formidable fighter with a compelling backstory, her evolution into a traditional homemaker blunted her original appeal. The dynamic of Goku and Chi Chi represented a fusion of strength and affection, yet their marriage unexpectedly redirected Chi Chi’s focus to domesticity.

Her subsequent dismissals of Gohan’s fighting ambitions—forbidding him from developing his true potential—further illustrates a significant loss of character depth. Instead of nurturing a lineage of warriors, Chi Chi became a symbol of suppressed ambition.

7 Frieza

We Get It, You’re Evil

Frieza’s reputation as one of the most notorious villains in anime might cause skepticism regarding his inclusion on this list. However, his portrayal often lacks depth. Frieza’s character is defined largely by his desire for immortality and dominion, leading to repetitive arcs centered on similar motivations.

The cyclical nature of his resurrections fails to enrich his narrative, painting him instead as a caricature of villainy rather than a well-rounded villain. His flat, predictable objectives diminish the complexity that many fans anticipate from formidable antagonists.

6 Master Roshi

When Perversion Takes Over

Initially presented as a comedic, wise mentor, Master Roshi’s character veers into uncomfortable territory as the series progresses. While moments of humor remain entertaining, his relentless lewd behavior becomes increasingly troubling, overshadowing his role as a martial arts instructor.

Even during pivotal moments like the Tournament of Power, he succumbs to his old habits, often sidetracking the storyline. Despite his martial prowess and historical significance in shaping the series’ heroes, a reevaluation of his character could have led to a more balanced portrayal that resonates better with contemporary audiences.

5 Caulifla

A Super Saiyan That Felt Forced

Introduced in Dragon Ball Super, Caulifla initially captivated audiences with her fiery spirit and rebellious nature. As part of Universe 6, her character harbored great potential; however, her trajectory soon appeared contrived. The ease with which she unlocked the Super Saiyan transformation felt jarring compared to the struggles historical characters faced.

While her ambition to strengthen herself is commendable, the speed of her progression lacked a satisfying narrative. This development could have benefitted from a more gradual and believable approach, allowing audiences to connect with her journey.

4 Others

Unwarranted Legendary Super Saiyan Status

Kale, like Caulifla, embodies issues of character depth and development. Her sudden transformation into a Legendary Super Saiyan felt more like a plot device than a product of character growth. While her emotional struggles amplified her character initially, the ultimate power boost diminished the gravity of her narrative arc.

Unlike Broly, who faced overwhelming odds and succumbed to his power, Kale magically achieved mastery over an equally significant transformation in moments. This inconsistency risks undermining the established lore and continuity that fans have come to cherish.

3 Oolong

Gives Master Roshi A Run For His Money

Oolong, while beloved as a mascot-like character, often embodies the annoying elements of early comic relief. Accustomed to Akira Toriyama’s brand of humor, Oolong’s perverse antics sometimes feel outdated and excessive. His infamous wish for a pair of panties highlights a lack of maturity in storytelling that leaves viewers cringing.

Though his appearances are less frequent, Oolong’s role continues to serve as a reminder of storytelling quirks that many may find grating rather than charming.

2 Broly (Dragon Ball Z)

More Bark Than Bite

Broly’s character journey offers an interesting dichotomy. While the recent Dragon Ball Super: Broly film provided much-needed depth and development, his original portrayal fell flat, relegating him to a single dimensional adversary. Fans’ initial interest in Broly stemmed from his impressive strength, yet his underdeveloped backstory left much to be desired.

In his prior forms, Broly functioned mainly as a formidable but hollow figure. Only with recent narratives was he granted the complexity befitting a character of his immense power, enabling audiences to finally appreciate his arc beyond simple antagonism.

1 Jiren

Flat, Boring, And Uninspired

Jiren epitomizes the challenge of presenting a character who is both strong and engaging. As the main rival during the Tournament of Power, his capabilities are undeniable—Goku had to tap into Ultra Instinct to contest his strength. However, Jiren’s personality is alarmingly bland and emotionally detached.

This lack of development renders him less relatable, making it difficult for fans to root for or against him. His character’s potential for depth never comes to fruition, leading to a distinct disconnect for audiences that culminates in a lackluster farewell during his final appearances.

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