Goku (孫悟空, Son Gokū), born Kakarot (カカロット, Kakarotto), is a Saiyan raised on Earth and the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. Goku strongly resembles his father, Bardock, with spiky black hair, dark-colored eyes, and similar facial features. However, Goku has inherited softer eyes, a kind demeanor, and a lighter complexion from his mother, Gine. Goku’s most distinct physical characteristic is his hair, featuring three bangs on the right, two on the left, and several spikes at the back. As a Saiyan, Goku was born with a prehensile tail covered in brown fur, though it was removed and regrown multiple times in his childhood. In his late teens, the tail was permanently removed by Kami to prevent Goku from transforming into a Great Ape.

During his early years, Goku appeared much younger than his actual age, partly due to his naïve personality. At age 12, he was notably short and had a childlike appearance. Goku’s physical development became more apparent during his teenage years, particularly after age 15, when he experienced growth spurts that made him taller and more muscular. By age 18, Goku had developed a well-built physique and was considered attractive by several characters, including Bulma and Heles. Goku’s physical transformation continued into adulthood, and by age 25, he had grown significantly taller and more muscular, matching many of his human allies in height.

Goku’s signature attire is his martial arts gi, which has evolved over the years. Initially, Goku wore a blue gi given to him by Grandpa Gohan, paired with a white obi and red wristbands. After training with Master Roshi, Goku adopted the iconic Turtle School uniform—an orange gi with Roshi’s kanji on the front and back. This uniform was modified throughout the series, especially after Goku trained with Kami, King Kai, and Whis. His gi typically features various kanji symbols, such as King Kai’s during the Frieza Saga, his own kanji during the Cell and Buu Sagas, and Whis’ kanji during Dragon Ball Super. Goku’s gi also includes a blue undershirt, wristbands, and boots that have been modified across different arcs.

In Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Goku returns to wearing a knot-style obi similar to his Frieza Saga attire. He also dons a winter jacket to adapt to cold environments, and later, in the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga, Goku’s uniform features the Galactic Patrol emblem. During the Granolah the Survivor Saga, Goku regains Whis’ kanji while training to perfect Ultra Instinct.

By the time of the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku switches to a turquoise gi with a white obi, dark green pants, and orange leg wraps. He also dons different casual outfits throughout the series, such as a suit and tie or a farmer’s outfit consisting of a denim jacket, boots, and scarf. In Dragon Ball GT, Goku is regressed to a child but retains his trademark hairstyle and physique. His main outfit in GT includes a blue dogi, yellow pants, and wristbands, and his tail is regenerated for combat purposes. In the final episodes of GT, Goku returns to his adult form, wearing his 28th World Martial Arts Tournament outfit and wielding his Power Pole once again.

Goku has also worn different armors throughout his life, such as the standard Battle Armor of the Frieza Force when he was sent to Earth as an infant, which includes a black chest piece with white accents and beige panels, accompanied by blue shorts and boots. This armor is typical of Saiyan warriors and was last seen during Goku’s early childhood.

Goku (孫悟空, Son Gokū), born Kakarot (カカロット, Kakarotto), is a Saiyan warrior raised on Earth and the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. As a child, Goku was sent to Earth by his parents, Bardock and Gine, to escape the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Upon his arrival, he was adopted by Grandpa Gohan and given the name Son Goku. Initially, Goku exhibited the destructive instincts typical of Saiyans, but after a head injury, he became kind-hearted and pure. Raised in the wilderness, Goku grew to be a caring, adventurous, and incredibly strong fighter.

Goku closely resembles his father Bardock, with spiky black hair, dark eyes, and similar facial features. However, he inherited his mother’s softer demeanor and lighter skin tone. His most defining trait is his unique hairstyle, which has remained unchanged throughout his life. As a Saiyan, Goku was born with a prehensile tail that allowed him to transform into a Great Ape, but it was removed permanently in his teens by Kami to prevent further transformations. Over the years, Goku went from being short and youthful in appearance to developing a tall, muscular physique by age 18, which has remained consistent into adulthood.

Throughout his life, Goku has demonstrated immense compassion and loyalty, traits that endear him to his friends and even some of his former enemies. He is notably pure of heart, possessing no ill intent and always striving to protect his loved ones and the world from harm. Goku is also known for his insatiable love of food, a characteristic common among Saiyans, and his deep-seated passion for fighting strong opponents. Although he is a pacifist at heart, preferring to avoid unnecessary violence, he relishes the challenge of combat and constantly seeks to improve his abilities.

Goku’s upbringing in isolation left him somewhat naïve and lacking in social awareness, but his sharp intuition and natural fighting ability make him a formidable warrior. He often sees the good in others, even his enemies, which has led many former foes to become his allies. Despite his simplicity, Goku is driven by a fierce will to surpass his limits, constantly training and pushing himself beyond his boundaries. This determination has saved the Earth and universe on multiple occasions.

Though he considers himself more of an Earthling than a Saiyan, Goku embodies the warrior spirit of his race, seeking out challenges and battles for personal growth. He values friendship and loyalty, often attributing his greatest achievements to the support of those around him. However, his willingness to forgive and reform enemies has sometimes led to dangerous consequences. Goku’s relationships with his family and friends are essential to his character, and despite spending much of his life training, he holds deep love for them, especially for his wife Chi-Chi and their children, Gohan and Goten.

Goku had little knowledge of his biological family, as he was sent to Earth as an infant and had no memory of his parents, Bardock and Gine. Throughout Dragon Ball Z, Goku’s perspective on his Saiyan heritage evolved. Initially, upon discovering his Saiyan origin, Goku was horrified, rejecting his lineage due to the violent nature of the Saiyan race. However, his views began to shift after Vegeta’s speech on Namek about the Saiyans’ downfall at the hands of Frieza, inspiring Goku to avenge his people. His transformation into a Super Saiyan marked a significant turning point, with Goku embracing his Saiyan heritage and proclaiming himself as the “Super Saiyan of legend” to intimidate Frieza. Despite this, Goku preferred to be called by his Earth name, “Son Goku,” though he accepted that Vegeta would always refer to him by his Saiyan name, Kakarot. By the events of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Goku had embraced his Saiyan identity to the point of introducing himself to Broly as Kakarot. In the Granolah the Survivor Saga, after learning about his father Bardock’s nobility, Goku became more curious about his parents, even recalling memories of their love and sacrifice for him.

Goku’s most notable relationship is with the Saiyan prince, Vegeta. Their rivalry, while often one-sided, sees Goku treating Vegeta with respect and acknowledging his strength, although Goku’s competitive nature does occasionally emerge. While Vegeta struggles with their rivalry, driven by his desire to surpass Goku, the two ultimately form a strong bond and mutual respect. Despite their differing personalities, they motivate each other to grow stronger. Goku, however, doesn’t shy away from teasing Vegeta or criticizing his more brutal tendencies, particularly when Vegeta kills incapacitated enemies like the Ginyu Force.

In Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Goku shows appreciation for his wife Chi-Chi’s home-cooked meals. When Chi-Chi remarks that their son Gohan must be enjoying the spread of food at Capsule Corporation, Goku responds that while he loves food, nothing compares to her cooking, demonstrating his gratitude for the care she puts into their family’s meals.