Dende is a Namekian who first appears as a young child during the conflict with Frieza on the planet Namek. He is the 108th son of Grand Elder Guru and originally lived in Moori's village. His life changes when he is rescued from Frieza's henchman Dodoria by Gohan and Krillin, an event that marks the beginning of his longstanding connection with Earth's protectors.

In terms of personality, Dende is gentle, soft-spoken, and peaceful by nature, reflecting the typical demeanor of his race. Initially shy and reluctant to speak unless necessary, he gradually opens up after being saved, forming a particularly strong bond with Gohan. Despite his young age, Dende is mature and knowledgeable, especially in spiritual matters, which leads to him being considered a prodigy among his people. He possesses a strong sense of loyalty and is willing to risk himself to do what is right. Later in the series, after assuming his duties as Earth's Guardian, he becomes more relaxed and open while remaining committed to supporting the Z Fighters from behind the scenes, fully acknowledging that his role is not to fight but to protect the Earth in other ways.

Dende's primary motivation shifts over time from simple survival to a deep commitment to protecting his new home. On Namek, his actions are driven by gratitude towards his rescuers and a desire to help them against Frieza. After being brought to Earth and eventually asked to become the new Guardian, his motivation becomes a sincere dedication to his duties. He expresses a wish to do his best in a role he knows he can never truly fill as Kami did, and he feels a sense of helplessness knowing he must leave the physical fighting to Goku and the others. Nevertheless, he consistently seeks to provide help in any way he can, whether through healing or strategic support.

Dende's role in the story is primarily that of a supporter and healer rather than a frontline fighter. He is crucial during the Frieza Saga, where his newly unlocked healing abilities save Krillin, Gohan, Piccolo, and even Vegeta, though healing Vegeta comes reluctantly due to the Saiyan's massacre of Namekians. Frieza recognizes Dende's healing as a threat and kills him to prevent further aid to his enemies. After being revived, Dende plays a key role in summoning Porunga to transport everyone except Goku and Frieza to safety on Earth. His most significant role begins when Goku requests that he become the new Guardian of Earth after Kami fuses with Piccolo. In this position, Dende recreates the Earth's Dragon Balls and even enhances them, allowing Shenron to grant three wishes instead of one. During the battle with Majin Buu, he is one of the few survivors when Mr. Popo pushes him off the Lookout to save him, and he later suggests using the Dragon Balls on New Namek to restore the Earth. Dende also appears in later storylines, including Dragon Ball Super, where his divine ki allows him to sense the power of gods like Beerus, and he continues to support his friends from the Lookout.

Key relationships define much of Dende's journey. He shares a close bond with Gohan and Krillin, who saved his life on Namek, and he is overjoyed to see them again after being separated. His relationship with Vegeta is more complex; while he respects Piccolo's orders and heals Vegeta when asked, his personal feelings are colored by Vegeta's past crimes against his people. Goku, whom he only briefly sees on Namek, is the one who teleports him to Earth to become the new Guardian, beginning a respectful relationship. He lives at the Lookout with Mr. Popo and often interacts with Piccolo, the Namekian who fused with Nail. In Dragon Ball Super, he maintains a friendly rapport with the other Z Fighters, attending social gatherings like Bulma's birthday party.

Over the course of the series, Dende undergoes significant development. He transforms from a frightened, helpless child into a competent and respected deity. As a boy on Namek, he is a victim who must be protected. By the Cell Saga, he has accepted the immense responsibility of being Earth's Guardian, a role he initially doubts he can fulfill. His confidence grows over time, and by the Majin Buu Saga and into Dragon Ball Super, he has settled into his position, managing the Dragon Balls and using his unique abilities to aid the warriors in their battles against universal threats. His development is not about increasing his combat power but about maturing into a wise and reliable spiritual guide for the planet.

Dende possesses several notable abilities that set him apart. His most famous power is his healing ability, which allows him to restore the health and energy of others simply by placing his hands on them. He unlocked this power after Grand Elder Guru brought out his latent potential. As a member of the Dragon Clan, Dende can also create objects from nothing using Magic Materialization, a skill he famously uses to create a new set of Earth's Dragon Balls. As the Guardian of Earth, he wields divine ki and can use techniques like the Far-Seeing Arts to observe events on the planet below. In Dragon Ball Super, his divine nature allows him to sense the godly ki of beings like Beerus, a power that other fighters initially lack. He also has standard Namekian traits such as photosynthesis, limb regeneration, and the ability to fuse with other Namekians, though he never engages in combat himself. His power level is very low by the standards of the Z Fighters, measured as low as 10 units in some sources, but his unique spiritual and healing abilities make him invaluable regardless of his fighting strength.