All over Dragon BallGoku has always been an idealistic hero, and compared to him, Vegeta is often marginalized. However, his character's growth and struggle throughout the series make it much more relatable and intriguing to watch. Although he was a villain and then an antihero, 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 bids a heartfelt farewell to his family and comrades marking the moment Vegeta officially becomes one of Earth's true heroes. In episode 237, aptly titled “Final Atonement,” Vegeta blurts out his final words before making the final 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 most of the series
Although Vegeta eventually aligned himself with the Z-Fighters, it is because it is in his best interest.
When Vegeta first appeared in the series, he was the embodiment of villainy and cruelty. He wanted nothing more than power and saw himself as superior, playing mercilessly and killing his enemies. Upon his arrival on Earth, Vegeta was driven only by his pride as a Saiyan Prince and his deep 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 was willing to take advantage and kill anyone who stood in his way during his quest for power. After his defeat in the Saiyan Saga, his antagonistic nature did not change, and Vegeta became more motivated 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 doing it just in his own interest. With Frieza's death, Vegeta's need to prove his superiority shifted to Goku, and he fought to prove his worth.
Then, during the Majin Buu Saga, Vegeta embraces darkness again when he allows Babidi to unlock his latent power, transforming him into a Majin. For Vegeta, this decision was motivated purely by his jealousy of Goku, demonstrating how deeply Vegeta clung to his role as a villain even after settling 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 into villainy reveals his insecurities and pride that he is 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, although Vegeta may have made the initial decision to awaken the darkness within his heart, he finally chooses good. His sacrifice against Majin Buu marked a huge turning point for his character because he not only sacrificed himself for his family but also for Goku. Although 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 due to a personal feeling of sadness and anger. He has yet to act with the best interests of Earth or the Z-Fighters in mind.
Instead, his sacrifice against Majin Buu was an entirely selfless act. He made a conscious decision to put the safety of others above his own life, fighting with a sense of love and duty rather than revenge or pride. Vegeta began to accept the bonds he initially rejected and recognized the importance and value of his family and friends. While saying goodbye to Trunks, he hugs him for the first time and encourages him to take care of 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 of the respect Vegeta has for Goku and shows how much he has grown as a person. This evolution highlights that Vegeta's actions are no longer to upstage others, but to ensure the safety of those he loves. By abandoning your pride and anger, Vegeta has become someone who fights for something bigger 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 make him the best character
In Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball DaimaVegeta's evolution is explored more deeply, allowing fans to gain greater insight into his character. His pride remains an integral part of his character, but it also serves to fuel his determination to accompany Goku and defend his family rather than a desire to assert his dominance about others. Your continuous 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 of conquest.
Vegeta's role in both Super and Daima it shows his growth as a husband and father. Episodes showing 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 just for his and the Saiyan's legacy, but for the immediate safety of his family and friends. These moments reveal Vegeta as a true hero and ground his character, making you feel more genuine and more relatable.
The best part of his character's growth throughout the franchise is that its evolution never feels forced or unnatural. The series allows him to maintain his most defining personality traits, such as pride, competitiveness and explosive temper, while also showing how these same traits can be channeled in a positive way. Although he occasionally struggles with his past and adopts old habits, these moments only make his character feel more developed and serve to remind fans how far he's come. The balance between Vegeta's growth and consistency throughout Dragon Ball easily makes him one of the best characters.