Understanding Vegeta's Motivations Throughout Dragon Ball
The Complex Character
When discussing characters from Dragon Ball, few are as complex and interesting as Vegeta. Initially, the prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta appears as a villain, hell bent on destroying the Earth and conquering the universe. However, as the series progresses, Vegeta's motivations evolve, often putting him at odds with his allies.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold
At the beginning of the series, Vegeta is determined to exact revenge against Frieza, the tyrant who killed the majority of the Saiyans and murdered Vegeta’s own father. Despite being initially outmatched, Vegeta’s stoicism and assurance that he will defeat Frieza remain strong. Ultimately despite being defeated, Vegeta survives and continues his quest for vengeance.
The Super Saiyan
The Super Saiyan transformation is often attributed to Goku, though it was really Vegeta’s struggle against Frieza and Nappa that pushed him to awaken the power of the Super Saiyan. In doing so, Vegeta asserts himself as the greatest living Saiyan, reaching a level of power that his race was thought capable of. He also establishes himself as one of the strongest characters in the entire series.
Protecting his Pride, Protecting his People
Though he often clashes with his allies, Vegeta’s motivations are almost always rooted in the protection of his pride and his people. After Cell and Buu threaten the Earth, Vegeta makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect both his family and the planet from destruction. In this way, he shows a level of care and responsibility towards both his loved ones and complete strangers.
Sacrificing Everything For What He Believes In
Throughout the series, Vegeta’s motivations evolve from revenge to something more noble and altruistic. He may not show his feelings in a traditional manner, but Vegeta's actions often prove how he is willing to sacrifice everything for what he believes in. Ultimately, Vegeta is an intriguing and complex character that has become a fan favorite for a reason.