Androide 17, whose human name is Lapis, is a character who underwent a significant transformation from a villainous youth to a heroic family man. Originally an ordinary human, he and his twin sister, Lazuli, were kidnapped and forcibly remodeled by the scientist Dr. Gero as part of the Red Ribbon Army's quest for revenge against Goku. This process turned him into a "Cyborg" or "Artificial Human," a biologically based model equipped with an infinite energy engine. This engine grants him limitless stamina and very slow aging, though he still needs to hydrate and can be overpowered by a significantly stronger foe.

In his initial appearance, Androide 17 was a reckless and rebellious anarchist who harbored a deep hatred for his forced cybernetics. He treated the search for Goku as a game and displayed a mischievous, sometimes sadistic streak, as seen when he used a firearm against civilians for amusement. However, after being absorbed by Cell, killed, and later revived by the Dragon Balls, he chose to live a quiet, peaceful life. He became a park ranger at a large nature preserve, a job that perfectly suited his independent and protective nature. By the time of Dragon Ball Super, this role has tempered his personality into that of a calm, responsible, and dedicated individual. He has a strong sense of justice, a deep love for nature and wildlife, and a particular soft spot for children.

His primary motivation is no longer conquest or battle, but the protection and provision for his family. He is married to a zoologist, with whom he has one biological child and two adopted children, and they live happily in an isolated house within the nature park. This strong sense of duty is what eventually convinces him to join the Tournament of Power, not for glory, but to secure the massive monetary prize to buy a luxury boat for his family to travel the world. In this tournament, his role evolves from a reluctant participant to a crucial tactical asset. His clever strategies, endurance, and willingness to self-sacrifice for the team's victory make him the last fighter standing for Universe 7, ultimately winning the competition.

Androide 17 shares a close, though often understated, bond with his twin sister, Androide 18, and has a warm relationship with her husband, Krillin, and their daughter, Marron. He also develops a mutual respect and camaraderie with Goku and the other Z-Fighters during the tournament, having previously been a rival to fighters like Piccolo. His character development is one of the most pronounced in the series, showing a journey from a delinquent forced into a killer's role to a selfless hero who wishes for the restoration of all erased universes, proving his complete redemption.

In terms of abilities, Androide 17 is a formidable fighter whose power increased dramatically through training, a feat unique to human-based androids. By the time of the Tournament of Power, his strength is comparable to a Super Saiyan 3, a testament to his high latent potential. His key techniques include a powerful energy barrier that can be used for defense, as a projectile, or to trap opponents. He also possesses a self-destruct ability potent enough to destroy half the tournament arena, a Super Electric Strike (or Super Voltage Slash), and enhanced senses, particularly superhuman hearing, which he uses to compensate for less refined energy sensing. His infinite energy engine allows him to fight at full power continuously without tiring, making him an ideal endurance fighter and tactician.