Dragon Ball: How Vegeta's Best Quote From the Anime Shows Why He's a Better Character Than Goku

Throughout Dragon Ball, Goku has always been an idealistic hero and, compared to him, Vegeta is often sidelined. However, his character growth and struggle throughout the series make him far more relatable and intriguing to watch. Although he was a villain and then an anti-hero, he showed incredible growth over the course of a single arc in Dragon Ball Z.

During the Majin Buu Saga, Vegeta demonstrated a profound change in his character in a rare moment of self-reflection and vulnerability in the franchise. After facing Majin Buu, the Saiyan Prince delivers a heartfelt farewell to his family and comrades, marking the moment Vegeta officially becomes one of Earth’s true heroes. In episode 237, appropriately titled “Final Atonement,” Vegeta lets out his final words before making the ultimate sacrifice:

“Trunks, Bulma—I do this for you… and yes, even for you, Kakarot.”

Vegeta Started Out as a Villain and Remained an Antagonist for the Majority of the Series

While Vegeta Eventually Aligned With the Z-Fighters, It’s Because It Happens To Be In His Best Interest

When Vegeta first appeared in the series, he was the embodiment of villainy and ruthlessness. He desired nothing but power and saw himself as superior, mercilessly toying with and killing off his enemies. Upon his initial arrival on Earth, Vegeta was driven solely by his pride as the Saiyan Prince and his deep-seated inferiority complex due to his lifelong servitude to Frieza. Unlike Goku, who fought to protect his loved ones and grow stronger, Vegeta’s motivations were much more self-centered.

Vegeta had been willing to take advantage of and kill anyone who got in his way during his quest for power. After his defeat in the Saiyan Saga, his antagonistic nature didn’t change, and Vegeta became more driven to achieve immortality in order to gain the strength necessary to take Frieza’s place as a universal tyrant. Even during the Cell Saga, Vegeta may have fought alongside the Z-Fighters, but he was still only doing so in his own interests. With Frieza gone, Vegeta’s need to prove his superiority shifted to Goku, and he fought in order to prove himself.

Then, during the Majin Buu Saga, Vegeta willingly embraces darkness again when he allows Babidi to unlock his latent power by turning him into a Majin. For Vegeta, this decision was driven purely out of his jealousy of Goku, demonstrating how deeply Vegeta clung to his role as a villain, even after settling down on Earth. This is because, in Vegeta’s mind, he was most powerful when he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. His temporary regression to villainy reveals his insecurities and pride he’s unwilling to let go of despite finally being able to build something for himself.

Vegeta’s Sacrifice in the Buu Saga Was His First Act as a True Hero

For the First Time Vegeta Fought for Something Other Than His Pride or Anger

However, while Vegeta may have made the initial decision to reawaken the darkness inside his heart, he ultimately chooses good. His sacrifice against Majin Buu marked a major turning point for his character because he didn’t just sacrifice himself for his family, but for Goku as well. While he had a similar moment of character development during the Cell Games after Future Trunks became the target upon Cell’s return to Earth, he still did so out of a personal sense of grief and rage. He still did not act with the best interests of Earth or the Z-Fighters in mind.

Instead, his sacrifice against Majin Buu was entirely a selfless act. He made the conscious decision to put the safety of others above his own life, fighting with a sense of love and duty rather than vengeance or pride. Vegeta came to accept the bonds he initially rejected and recognized the importance and value of his family and friends. While he’s giving Trunks his farewell, he embraces him for the first time and urges him to watch over his mother, showing how much he cares for both of them and completely separating himself from the detached person he once was.

His acknowledgment of Goku during his final words acts as further proof of his growth throughout the series. The moment was a rare glimpse into the respect Vegeta has towards Goku and shows how much he's grown as a person. This evolution underscores that Vegeta’s actions are no longer about outshining others but about ensuring the safety of those he loves. In letting go of his pride and anger, Vegeta grew into someone who fights for something greater than himself. Vegeta’s sacrifice served as his redemption in the series, officially turning him into one of Earth’s greatest heroes.

Daima and Super Allow Vegeta to Fully Embrace the Change From Villain to Hero

Vegeta’s Growth and Evolution Throughout the Series Makes Him the Best Character

In Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima, Vegeta’s evolution is more deeply explored, allowing fans to have a greater insight into his character. His pride remains an integral part of his character, but it also works to fuel his determination to keep up with Goku and defend his family rather than a desire to assert his dominance over others. His continued training throughout Dragon Ball Super and his effort to master new techniques like Ultra Ego reflects his understanding that power is a responsibility and not just a tool for conquest.

Vegeta’s role in both Super and Daima shows his growth as a husband and father. Episodes that show his interactions with Bulma and Trunks show a softer side to the Saiyan Prince that is completely different from his cold and cruel introduction. Vegeta proves time and time again that he no longer fights solely for his and the Saiyan's legacy but for the immediate safety of his family and friends. Those moments reveal Vegeta as a true hero and ground his character, making him feel both more genuine and more relatable.

The best part about his character growth throughout the franchise is that his evolution never feels forced or unnatural. The series allows him to maintain his most defining personality traits, like his pride, competitiveness, and short temper, while also showing off how those same traits can be channeled in a positive way. While he occasionally struggles with his past and slips into old habits, those moments only make his character feel more developed and serve to remind fans of how far he’s come. The balance between Vegeta’s growth and consistency throughout Dragon Ball easily makes him one of the best characters.