TV-Series
Description
Krillin is a major supporting character in Dragon Ball Z Kai, originally introduced as a rival and later the best friend of the series’ protagonist, Goku. In terms of background, Krillin is a bald, short-statured human martial artist who trained as a child at the Orin Temple before leaving to study under the legendary Master Roshi alongside Goku. Unlike many of the superpowered aliens and bio-androids that appear later, Krillin remains fully human, which shapes much of his role and perspective.
Personality wise, Krillin is defined by a blend of courage, humor, and self-doubt. He is notably more pragmatic and cautious than Goku, often expressing fear or reluctance before major battles. However, this fear rarely stops him from fighting when his friends or the Earth are in danger. He possesses a quick wit and a sarcastic edge, frequently serving as comic relief but also as an emotional anchor for the group. His confidence grows over time, but he remains acutely aware of his physical limits compared to Saiyans and other cosmic-level fighters.
Motivation for Krillin shifts as the series progresses. Initially driven by a desire to prove himself as a strong martial artist, he later fights primarily to protect his loved ones. Unlike Goku’s thrill for combat or Vegeta’s pride, Krillin’s motivation is rooted in loyalty and a sense of responsibility. After becoming a father and husband, his focus tilts even more toward ensuring a peaceful life for his family, though he never fully abandons his role as a defender of Earth.
In the story of Dragon Ball Z Kai, Krillin serves as one of the most consistent and relatable fighters. During the Saiyan arc, he fights alongside Goku and Piccolo against Nappa and Vegeta. On Namek, he plays a critical role in the hunt for the Dragon Balls, outmaneuvering Frieza’s forces through strategy and bravery. It is also there that he is murdered by Frieza, a moment that triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. In the Android and Cell arcs, Krillin’s decision to spare the android 18—whom he develops feelings for—has lasting consequences, both romantic and plot-driven. In the Majin Buu arc, though less central to combat, he continues to fight and later helps buy time for the Earth’s destruction to be undone.
Key relationships define much of Krillin’s character. His bond with Goku is the longest and most important; they begin as rivals under Master Roshi and evolve into closest friends, with Krillin often acting as Goku’s voice of reason. His romance with android 18 begins with a crush and a fateful decision not to destroy her, eventually leading to marriage and a daughter, Marron. He shares mutual respect with Master Roshi, Trunks, and even Vegeta to a limited degree. His friendship with Yamcha and Tien Shinhan also endures, though Krillin generally becomes the most prominent human fighter.
Development across Dragon Ball Z Kai shows Krillian transforming from a mischievous, envious child into a mature, dependable adult. Early on, he is somewhat insecure about being a human among gods and aliens, but he learns to value his own contributions even when not the strongest. His decision to retire from active fighting after the Cell Games and focus on family life reflects this growth: he no longer needs to prove himself. Yet when Buu threatens existence, he returns without hesitation, showing that his heroism remains intact.
Notable abilities include the Kienzan (Destructo Disc), a razor-sharp energy disk capable of cutting through nearly any material, including Frieza’s tail and second form. He also uses the Kamehameha wave, afterimage technique, and enhanced speed and strength from intense gravity training. On Namek, Guru unlocks his latent potential, greatly boosting his power level. He can also use the Taiyoken (Solar Flare) to blind opponents, a technique he often employs cleverly despite being less powerful than Saiyans. Though he flies using ki control, lacks transformations, and never achieves Super Saiyan power, his strategic mind and willingness to fight make him invaluable.
Personality wise, Krillin is defined by a blend of courage, humor, and self-doubt. He is notably more pragmatic and cautious than Goku, often expressing fear or reluctance before major battles. However, this fear rarely stops him from fighting when his friends or the Earth are in danger. He possesses a quick wit and a sarcastic edge, frequently serving as comic relief but also as an emotional anchor for the group. His confidence grows over time, but he remains acutely aware of his physical limits compared to Saiyans and other cosmic-level fighters.
Motivation for Krillin shifts as the series progresses. Initially driven by a desire to prove himself as a strong martial artist, he later fights primarily to protect his loved ones. Unlike Goku’s thrill for combat or Vegeta’s pride, Krillin’s motivation is rooted in loyalty and a sense of responsibility. After becoming a father and husband, his focus tilts even more toward ensuring a peaceful life for his family, though he never fully abandons his role as a defender of Earth.
In the story of Dragon Ball Z Kai, Krillin serves as one of the most consistent and relatable fighters. During the Saiyan arc, he fights alongside Goku and Piccolo against Nappa and Vegeta. On Namek, he plays a critical role in the hunt for the Dragon Balls, outmaneuvering Frieza’s forces through strategy and bravery. It is also there that he is murdered by Frieza, a moment that triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. In the Android and Cell arcs, Krillin’s decision to spare the android 18—whom he develops feelings for—has lasting consequences, both romantic and plot-driven. In the Majin Buu arc, though less central to combat, he continues to fight and later helps buy time for the Earth’s destruction to be undone.
Key relationships define much of Krillin’s character. His bond with Goku is the longest and most important; they begin as rivals under Master Roshi and evolve into closest friends, with Krillin often acting as Goku’s voice of reason. His romance with android 18 begins with a crush and a fateful decision not to destroy her, eventually leading to marriage and a daughter, Marron. He shares mutual respect with Master Roshi, Trunks, and even Vegeta to a limited degree. His friendship with Yamcha and Tien Shinhan also endures, though Krillin generally becomes the most prominent human fighter.
Development across Dragon Ball Z Kai shows Krillian transforming from a mischievous, envious child into a mature, dependable adult. Early on, he is somewhat insecure about being a human among gods and aliens, but he learns to value his own contributions even when not the strongest. His decision to retire from active fighting after the Cell Games and focus on family life reflects this growth: he no longer needs to prove himself. Yet when Buu threatens existence, he returns without hesitation, showing that his heroism remains intact.
Notable abilities include the Kienzan (Destructo Disc), a razor-sharp energy disk capable of cutting through nearly any material, including Frieza’s tail and second form. He also uses the Kamehameha wave, afterimage technique, and enhanced speed and strength from intense gravity training. On Namek, Guru unlocks his latent potential, greatly boosting his power level. He can also use the Taiyoken (Solar Flare) to blind opponents, a technique he often employs cleverly despite being less powerful than Saiyans. Though he flies using ki control, lacks transformations, and never achieves Super Saiyan power, his strategic mind and willingness to fight make him invaluable.