TV-Series
Description
Krilin, known in some adaptations as Krillin, is a major supporting character in Dragon Ball Z. He is a short, bald human male, easily recognized by the six dots on his forehead—scarring from his early training at the Orin Temple, where he was initially a bullied student. He later becomes the best friend and lifelong training partner of the series’ protagonist, Son Goku.
In terms of personality, Krilin begins as a somewhat mischievous and insecure boy, prone to using clever tricks to compensate for his lack of natural size and strength. Over time, he matures into one of the most level-headed, loyal, and courageous members of the Z Fighters. He often displays a strong sense of self-preservation, which sometimes manifests as fear or reluctance in the face of overwhelming odds, but he consistently overcomes this fear to protect his friends and family. He is also known for his sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and a grounded, practical perspective that balances the more reckless or purely battle-driven attitudes of other characters like Goku or Vegeta.
Krilin’s primary motivations shift as the story progresses. Initially, he seeks to prove himself as a martial artist and win the affection of women, a running gag throughout the series. After forming a deep bond with Goku, his motivation becomes protecting his loved ones and the Earth. His marriage to Android 18 and the birth of his daughter, Marron, further cement his role as a devoted family man. Unlike Saiyans, who crave combat, Krilin fights out of necessity and responsibility, not for the thrill of battle.
His role in Dragon Ball Z is vital, often serving as the emotional heart of the supporting cast. He is frequently the first to offer tactical advice during fights and acts as a bridge between the godlike Saiyan warriors and ordinary humans. He is present for nearly every major conflict, from the Saiyan invasion to the battle against Majin Buu. One of his most significant contributions occurs during the Frieza Saga on Planet Namek, where his death at Frieza’s hands triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. This moment underscores Krilin’s narrative importance: he is the catalyst for Goku’s most iconic power-up due to their unmatched bond.
Key relationships define much of Krilin’s journey. His friendship with Goku is the longest and most stable in the series, evolving from rivals to brothers in arms. He also shares a deep camaraderie with Master Roshi, his first mentor, and with Gohan, whom he protects and trains during the Saiyan and Namek arcs. His romance with Android 18 is a surprising but enduring subplot; after she spares his life during the Cell Saga, he destroys the remote that would deactivate her, demonstrating that he sees her humanity. They eventually marry, and 18 softens considerably because of him.
Throughout Dragon Ball Z, Krilin develops from a cowardly, self-serving youth into a brave, selfless adult. He retires from fighting multiple times but always returns when Earth is threatened. He never achieves the superhuman power of the Saiyans, but he grows into the strongest pure human on Earth through sheer experience and ingenuity.
In terms of notable abilities, Krilin’s signature technique is the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), a razor-sharp, spinning energy disc capable of cutting through opponents far stronger than himself, including Frieza’s tail and Nappa’s cheek. He also uses the Double Destructo Disc and can fire energy waves such as the Kamehameha, which he learned from Master Roshi. He possesses superhuman speed, strength, and durability, as well as the ability to fly using ki control. He also has a limited form of telekinesis, once used to pull a scouter from Vegeta’s face. Despite being human, his martial arts skill and tactical mind allow him to survive encounters with alien overlords and androids far beyond his natural power level.
In terms of personality, Krilin begins as a somewhat mischievous and insecure boy, prone to using clever tricks to compensate for his lack of natural size and strength. Over time, he matures into one of the most level-headed, loyal, and courageous members of the Z Fighters. He often displays a strong sense of self-preservation, which sometimes manifests as fear or reluctance in the face of overwhelming odds, but he consistently overcomes this fear to protect his friends and family. He is also known for his sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and a grounded, practical perspective that balances the more reckless or purely battle-driven attitudes of other characters like Goku or Vegeta.
Krilin’s primary motivations shift as the story progresses. Initially, he seeks to prove himself as a martial artist and win the affection of women, a running gag throughout the series. After forming a deep bond with Goku, his motivation becomes protecting his loved ones and the Earth. His marriage to Android 18 and the birth of his daughter, Marron, further cement his role as a devoted family man. Unlike Saiyans, who crave combat, Krilin fights out of necessity and responsibility, not for the thrill of battle.
His role in Dragon Ball Z is vital, often serving as the emotional heart of the supporting cast. He is frequently the first to offer tactical advice during fights and acts as a bridge between the godlike Saiyan warriors and ordinary humans. He is present for nearly every major conflict, from the Saiyan invasion to the battle against Majin Buu. One of his most significant contributions occurs during the Frieza Saga on Planet Namek, where his death at Frieza’s hands triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. This moment underscores Krilin’s narrative importance: he is the catalyst for Goku’s most iconic power-up due to their unmatched bond.
Key relationships define much of Krilin’s journey. His friendship with Goku is the longest and most stable in the series, evolving from rivals to brothers in arms. He also shares a deep camaraderie with Master Roshi, his first mentor, and with Gohan, whom he protects and trains during the Saiyan and Namek arcs. His romance with Android 18 is a surprising but enduring subplot; after she spares his life during the Cell Saga, he destroys the remote that would deactivate her, demonstrating that he sees her humanity. They eventually marry, and 18 softens considerably because of him.
Throughout Dragon Ball Z, Krilin develops from a cowardly, self-serving youth into a brave, selfless adult. He retires from fighting multiple times but always returns when Earth is threatened. He never achieves the superhuman power of the Saiyans, but he grows into the strongest pure human on Earth through sheer experience and ingenuity.
In terms of notable abilities, Krilin’s signature technique is the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), a razor-sharp, spinning energy disc capable of cutting through opponents far stronger than himself, including Frieza’s tail and Nappa’s cheek. He also uses the Double Destructo Disc and can fire energy waves such as the Kamehameha, which he learned from Master Roshi. He possesses superhuman speed, strength, and durability, as well as the ability to fly using ki control. He also has a limited form of telekinesis, once used to pull a scouter from Vegeta’s face. Despite being human, his martial arts skill and tactical mind allow him to survive encounters with alien overlords and androids far beyond his natural power level.