TV-Series
Description
Android No. 16 is a fictional character from the Japanese manga series Dragon Ball Z. He is a fully mechanical being, also known as an artificial human, created by the villainous scientist Dr. Gero. Unlike his counterparts, No. 17 and No. 18, who are humans modified at a cellular level, No. 16 is a complete robot constructed for the singular purpose of assassination.
His creation has a deeply personal origin. Dr. Gero modeled No. 16's appearance after his own deceased son, a high-ranking soldier in the Red Ribbon Army who was killed by enemy fire. While Gero equipped No. 16 with immense destructive power, he also programmed him with a gentle personality, not wanting to see his "son" destroyed in battle. This inherent gentleness led Dr. Gero to consider No. 16 a failure, and he was deactivated for an extended period.
In terms of personality, Android No. 16 is a pacifist at heart, which stands in stark contrast to his imposing size and immense power. He is characterized by his quiet, stoic, and almost emotionless demeanor, yet he harbors a profound love for nature, birds, and small animals. This tranquility often surprises other characters, as he rarely initiates combat and seems to prefer observing the world around him. His core programming dictates that his primary mission is to kill Son Goku, but this directive conflicts with his fundamental peaceful nature. He is extremely loyal to his "siblings," No. 17 and No. 18, and his main motivation becomes protecting them from being absorbed by the bio-android, Cell.
Within the story, No. 16 plays a pivotal role during the Cell Saga. After being activated by No. 17 and No. 18, he accompanies them on their search for Goku. When the imperfect Cell arrives to absorb the two androids, No. 16 intervenes, engaging Cell in a battle that proves to be evenly matched. However, after Cell absorbs No. 17 and transforms into his semi-perfect form, No. 16 is easily overpowered and left severely damaged. He is later recovered and repaired by Dr. Brief and Bulma at Capsule Corporation, who also remove a powerful bomb installed in his chest by Dr. Gero without his knowledge.
His most significant moment occurs during the Cell Games. Attempting to use the bomb to destroy Perfect Cell and save the Earth, No. 16 is shocked to discover the bomb has been removed. Cell then destroys No. 16's body, leaving only his head intact. After being thrown to the young warrior Gohan, No. 16 delivers a heartfelt speech, encouraging Gohan to let go of his fear and unleash his anger to protect the world. The moment Cell crushes No. 16's head triggers an explosive rage in Gohan, causing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 for the first time, turning the tide of the battle.
Key relationships define his arc. He shares a brotherly bond with No. 17 and No. 18, acting as a quiet but powerful protector. His creator, Dr. Gero, views him with a complex mix of paternal sentiment and disappointment. He forms a unique, silent friendship with Gohan, who treats him with kindness, unlike most other fighters who view him as a threat. The character of No. 16 does not develop in a traditional sense, as he is a static, pre-programmed being. However, his actions demonstrate a clear choice to follow his peaceful programming over his destructive mission, and his sacrifice serves as the ultimate catalyst for another character's growth.
As a fighter, Android No. 16 possesses several notable abilities. Because he is fully mechanical, he does not emit any ki, making him invisible to opponents who rely on sensing energy. He compensates for this with built-in radar and power-level sensors. His strength is immense, powerful enough to briefly overwhelm an imperfect Cell. His signature technique is the Hell's Flash, a devastating cannon attack for which he detaches his forearms to fire a massive energy blast. He also possesses rocket-propelled punches that can be fired as projectiles. His body was originally designed to be a walking bomb, with an explosion powerful enough to theoretically kill Perfect Cell, though this function is never actually used.
His creation has a deeply personal origin. Dr. Gero modeled No. 16's appearance after his own deceased son, a high-ranking soldier in the Red Ribbon Army who was killed by enemy fire. While Gero equipped No. 16 with immense destructive power, he also programmed him with a gentle personality, not wanting to see his "son" destroyed in battle. This inherent gentleness led Dr. Gero to consider No. 16 a failure, and he was deactivated for an extended period.
In terms of personality, Android No. 16 is a pacifist at heart, which stands in stark contrast to his imposing size and immense power. He is characterized by his quiet, stoic, and almost emotionless demeanor, yet he harbors a profound love for nature, birds, and small animals. This tranquility often surprises other characters, as he rarely initiates combat and seems to prefer observing the world around him. His core programming dictates that his primary mission is to kill Son Goku, but this directive conflicts with his fundamental peaceful nature. He is extremely loyal to his "siblings," No. 17 and No. 18, and his main motivation becomes protecting them from being absorbed by the bio-android, Cell.
Within the story, No. 16 plays a pivotal role during the Cell Saga. After being activated by No. 17 and No. 18, he accompanies them on their search for Goku. When the imperfect Cell arrives to absorb the two androids, No. 16 intervenes, engaging Cell in a battle that proves to be evenly matched. However, after Cell absorbs No. 17 and transforms into his semi-perfect form, No. 16 is easily overpowered and left severely damaged. He is later recovered and repaired by Dr. Brief and Bulma at Capsule Corporation, who also remove a powerful bomb installed in his chest by Dr. Gero without his knowledge.
His most significant moment occurs during the Cell Games. Attempting to use the bomb to destroy Perfect Cell and save the Earth, No. 16 is shocked to discover the bomb has been removed. Cell then destroys No. 16's body, leaving only his head intact. After being thrown to the young warrior Gohan, No. 16 delivers a heartfelt speech, encouraging Gohan to let go of his fear and unleash his anger to protect the world. The moment Cell crushes No. 16's head triggers an explosive rage in Gohan, causing him to transform into a Super Saiyan 2 for the first time, turning the tide of the battle.
Key relationships define his arc. He shares a brotherly bond with No. 17 and No. 18, acting as a quiet but powerful protector. His creator, Dr. Gero, views him with a complex mix of paternal sentiment and disappointment. He forms a unique, silent friendship with Gohan, who treats him with kindness, unlike most other fighters who view him as a threat. The character of No. 16 does not develop in a traditional sense, as he is a static, pre-programmed being. However, his actions demonstrate a clear choice to follow his peaceful programming over his destructive mission, and his sacrifice serves as the ultimate catalyst for another character's growth.
As a fighter, Android No. 16 possesses several notable abilities. Because he is fully mechanical, he does not emit any ki, making him invisible to opponents who rely on sensing energy. He compensates for this with built-in radar and power-level sensors. His strength is immense, powerful enough to briefly overwhelm an imperfect Cell. His signature technique is the Hell's Flash, a devastating cannon attack for which he detaches his forearms to fire a massive energy blast. He also possesses rocket-propelled punches that can be fired as projectiles. His body was originally designed to be a walking bomb, with an explosion powerful enough to theoretically kill Perfect Cell, though this function is never actually used.