Dende is a Namekian character who first appears during the events on the planet Namek. He is recognized as the one hundred and eighth son of the Grand Elder Guru and belongs to the Dragon Clan, a caste of Namekians known for their mystical abilities rather than combat prowess.

In his initial appearance, Dende is a young, gentle, and soft-spoken child. Like most Namekians, he is peaceful by nature, and his youth makes him appear shy and hesitant to speak unless necessary. Despite this timidity, he possesses a strong sense of loyalty to his people and a willingness to risk himself to do what is right. He is also considered a prodigy among his race, being highly advanced in spiritual knowledge for his age.

Dende's primary motivation is to help and protect others, a trait that defines his actions throughout the story. After being rescued from the clutches of Frieza's henchmen by Gohan and Krillin, he feels a deep sense of gratitude and guides them to the Grand Elder. He later becomes a crucial supporter for the Z Fighters, using his unique healing powers to save his allies during the desperate battle against Frieza.

His role in the story evolves significantly after the Frieza Saga. Following the fusion of the previous Earth's Guardian, Kami, with Piccolo, the position of Guardian falls vacant. At the request of Goku, Dende is brought from the newly established New Namek to Earth to assume this divine role. As the Guardian of Earth, he is responsible for creating a new set of Dragon Balls, a task he performs with notable skill. He even enhances them, allowing Shenron to grant three wishes, or two if one of them is used to revive a large group of people. He resides at the Lookout with Mr. Popo and Piccolo, serving as a god but often acknowledging that the fighters like Goku are the planet's true heroes.

Dende develops several key relationships that define his place in the narrative. He forms a close bond with Gohan and Krillin, who saved his life on Namek, and is overjoyed to reunite with them later. He shares a connection with Piccolo, who is fused with his fellow Namekian, Nail. He also endures a tense relationship with Vegeta, whom he heals reluctantly under Piccolo's order, as Vegeta had slaughtered many of Dende's people. During the battle with Majin Buu, he spends considerable time with Mr. Satan, often becoming annoyed by the champion's stubbornness but relying on him for survival.

Dende undergoes visible character development. Initially a frightened child in need of rescue, he matures into a composed and capable Guardian of Earth. While he recognizes that he is not a fighter, he fully commits to serving his new home to the best of his abilities. His physical appearance also changes over time; during the Majin Buu Saga, which takes place seven years after the Cell Games, he has grown taller with sharper features, though his design later reverts to a more child-like appearance.

His notable abilities are primarily non-combative but are among the most powerful support skills in the series. His most prominent gift is his healing ability, unlocked by the Grand Elder, which allows him to restore a person's health and energy almost instantaneously with a touch. As a member of the Dragon Clan and the Guardian of Earth, he possesses the rare and vital skill of Magic Materialization, which he uses to create the Earth's Dragon Balls. He can also use the Far-Seeing Arts to observe events on the planet below from the Lookout. In later storylines, he demonstrates other divine techniques, such as creating a portal to help someone escape from Hell.