Dodoria is a major antagonist in the Dragon Ball Z narrative, serving as one of the two most trusted and elite generals in the interstellar empire of the tyrant Frieza, alongside his comrade Zarbon. A physically imposing and bulky alien, Dodoria is notable for his rotund, powerful frame, pink skin, and the distinctive cluster of bony spikes protruding from his head and arms. His design is a clear reflection of his brutal and unrefined nature, contrasting sharply with the more polished and handsome appearance of his counterpart, Zarbon.

In terms of personality, Dodoria is characterized by a profoundly cruel, arrogant, and sadistic disposition. He derives genuine pleasure from acts of violence and has no qualms about exterminating entire villages of defenseless beings, as demonstrated during Frieza's invasion of Planet Namek, where he mercilessly slaughtered many Namekians, including children, to extract information about the Dragon Balls. Despite his high rank and significant power, he is depicted as a coward at heart, showing extreme deference and loyalty to Frieza out of fear, while displaying utter contempt for those he considers weaker, particularly the Saiyan race. However, when facing a superior opponent, his bravado crumbles, revealing a desperate and pleading side, as shown during his final confrontation with Vegeta.

Dodoria's role in the story is primarily that of a high-ranking enforcer and a benchmark for power escalation. Before the main events of the series, he was present at the destruction of Planet Vegeta and was personally responsible for defeating Bardock and his team of Saiyans, cementing his status as a long-standing enemy of the Saiyan race. Years later, he accompanies Frieza to Namek, where he is instrumental in the early stages of the Dragon Ball hunt, his cruelty creating the immediate danger that the protagonists Krillin, Gohan, and Dende must flee from. His primary narrative function is to be surpassed by Vegeta, demonstrating the Saiyan's immense growth in power after his near-death experience on Earth. Vegeta, having betrayed Frieza, hunts Dodoria down in a one-sided battle, effortlessly overpowering and killing him.

His key relationships are defined by his position in Frieza's hierarchy. He is utterly subservient to Frieza, acting as a loyal instrument of his master's will. He shares a professional rivalry with Zarbon, though their dynamic is less antagonistic and more of a contrast between brute force and calculated elegance. His most significant relationship is with Vegeta, whom he initially mocked and dismissed as a subordinate monkey. This relationship comes full circle when Vegeta returns to kill him, proving the Saiyan's superior strength. In a critical moment of development, a terrified Dodoria attempts to bargain for his life by revealing the truth to Vegeta: that Frieza, not a meteor, was responsible for the destruction of their home planet and the near-genocide of the Saiyans. This revelation serves as a key plot point that solidifies Vegeta's resolve to overthrow Frieza.

While Dodoria does not undergo any personal growth or redemption, his death serves as a catalyst for others. His demise highlights the shift in power dynamics among Frieza's forces and provides the heroes with an indirect advantage by eliminating a significant threat. In terms of abilities, Dodoria possesses a power level estimated at around 22,000, which makes him one of the stronger warriors in the universe at that time, capable of slaughtering Namekian warriors with ease. He is proficient in basic ki techniques such as flight and energy waves. His signature attack is a powerful energy wave fired from his mouth, which he used against Bardock and later against Krillin and Gohan. He also employs physical techniques that utilize his large, spiked head, such as a powerful headbutt. Despite his bulk, he is surprisingly quick, though this ultimately proves insufficient against the vastly more powerful Vegeta.