TV-Series
Description
Krilin is one of the central supporting characters in Dragon Ball Z Kai, originally introduced as a fellow martial arts student under Master Roshi. He is a short, bald human male with no nose, a stocky build, and a distinctive orange martial arts uniform that he wears for much of the series. His background begins as a rival to the protagonist Son Goku during their childhood training, but he quickly becomes Goku’s closest friend and ally.
Personality wise, Krilin is pragmatic, cautious, and often the most grounded member of the Z Fighters. He is not naturally as brave or reckless as Goku or Vegeta; instead, he shows a healthy fear of stronger opponents and frequently voices doubts about their chances in battle. Despite this, he consistently overcomes his fear to stand alongside his friends. He possesses a dry sense of humor and is known for his clever, sometimes sneaky tactics in combat, which reflect his early training as a rogue martial artist. Unlike purely heroic characters, he can be self-interested, but his loyalty and sense of right and wrong always win out.
Krilin’s primary motivation is to protect his loved ones and the Earth, but he is also driven by a desire to prove himself as a capable fighter despite being a human without special alien heritage or transformations. He seeks no great glory or recognition; instead, he wants to be useful and survive to return to his family and friends. Over time, his priorities shift from martial arts pride to ensuring the safety of his wife, Android 18, and their daughter, Marron.
In the story of Dragon Ball Z Kai, Krilin serves as a key supporting fighter and strategist. He participates in every major battle against the Saiyans, Frieza, the Androids, and Cell. He is often the one to assess situations rationally when others act impulsively. His most famous role occurs during the Frieza Saga on Namek, where he is repeatedly targeted and killed by Frieza’s forces, only to be revived later. His death at Frieza’s hand directly triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. During the Android and Cell Sagas, he forms an unexpected romantic relationship with Android 18, eventually deactivating her emergency shutdown device out of love, which later leads to their marriage.
Krilin’s key relationships define much of his development. With Goku, he shares an unbreakable bond of brotherhood; though vastly outmatched in power, Krilin remains Goku’s most trusted human confidant. With Master Roshi, he is an obedient and respectful former student. His rivalry and friendship with Yamcha and Tenshinhan evolve into mutual respect. His romance with Android 18 begins as fear and suspicion, then grows into genuine affection; her initial aloofness contrasts with his openness, but they become a devoted couple. His relationship with Vegeta is tense—Krilin resents Vegeta’s past atrocities but learns to tolerate and fight alongside him.
Krilin undergoes significant development from a mischievous, jealous boy to a mature, responsible adult. His early insecurity about being weaker than Goku fades, replaced by acceptance of his limits and a focus on what he can contribute beyond raw power. He becomes a father figure and a protective husband, showing that heroism is not only about strength but about courage and love.
Notable abilities include the Kamehameha wave, which he learns under Roshi, and the Destructo Disc, a razor-sharp energy disk he invented that can cut through virtually any material, including foes far stronger than himself. He also uses the Scattering Energy Wave, a variation that splits into multiple homing beams. He possesses enhanced speed, strength, and durability from decades of martial arts training and exposure to high-gravity environments. While not as powerful as Saiyans or Androids, his tactical mind and lethal techniques make him a dangerous opponent in any battle.
Personality wise, Krilin is pragmatic, cautious, and often the most grounded member of the Z Fighters. He is not naturally as brave or reckless as Goku or Vegeta; instead, he shows a healthy fear of stronger opponents and frequently voices doubts about their chances in battle. Despite this, he consistently overcomes his fear to stand alongside his friends. He possesses a dry sense of humor and is known for his clever, sometimes sneaky tactics in combat, which reflect his early training as a rogue martial artist. Unlike purely heroic characters, he can be self-interested, but his loyalty and sense of right and wrong always win out.
Krilin’s primary motivation is to protect his loved ones and the Earth, but he is also driven by a desire to prove himself as a capable fighter despite being a human without special alien heritage or transformations. He seeks no great glory or recognition; instead, he wants to be useful and survive to return to his family and friends. Over time, his priorities shift from martial arts pride to ensuring the safety of his wife, Android 18, and their daughter, Marron.
In the story of Dragon Ball Z Kai, Krilin serves as a key supporting fighter and strategist. He participates in every major battle against the Saiyans, Frieza, the Androids, and Cell. He is often the one to assess situations rationally when others act impulsively. His most famous role occurs during the Frieza Saga on Namek, where he is repeatedly targeted and killed by Frieza’s forces, only to be revived later. His death at Frieza’s hand directly triggers Goku’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan. During the Android and Cell Sagas, he forms an unexpected romantic relationship with Android 18, eventually deactivating her emergency shutdown device out of love, which later leads to their marriage.
Krilin’s key relationships define much of his development. With Goku, he shares an unbreakable bond of brotherhood; though vastly outmatched in power, Krilin remains Goku’s most trusted human confidant. With Master Roshi, he is an obedient and respectful former student. His rivalry and friendship with Yamcha and Tenshinhan evolve into mutual respect. His romance with Android 18 begins as fear and suspicion, then grows into genuine affection; her initial aloofness contrasts with his openness, but they become a devoted couple. His relationship with Vegeta is tense—Krilin resents Vegeta’s past atrocities but learns to tolerate and fight alongside him.
Krilin undergoes significant development from a mischievous, jealous boy to a mature, responsible adult. His early insecurity about being weaker than Goku fades, replaced by acceptance of his limits and a focus on what he can contribute beyond raw power. He becomes a father figure and a protective husband, showing that heroism is not only about strength but about courage and love.
Notable abilities include the Kamehameha wave, which he learns under Roshi, and the Destructo Disc, a razor-sharp energy disk he invented that can cut through virtually any material, including foes far stronger than himself. He also uses the Scattering Energy Wave, a variation that splits into multiple homing beams. He possesses enhanced speed, strength, and durability from decades of martial arts training and exposure to high-gravity environments. While not as powerful as Saiyans or Androids, his tactical mind and lethal techniques make him a dangerous opponent in any battle.