As a child, Gohan was shy, studious, and intellectual, lacking the raw fighting spirit typical of full-blooded Saiyans. However, he had immense potential as a half-breed Saiyan, and when his loved ones were threatened, he was capable of unlocking vast power reserves fueled by his emotions. As an adult, Gohan ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a renowned scholar, a goal that sets him apart from the typical Saiyan inclination toward battle.

Unlike most full-blooded Saiyans, Gohan does not derive pleasure from combat. His primary motivation for fighting is to protect his family and friends, a trait that distinguishes him from his father, Goku, who revels in the thrill of battle. Gohan has a pure and gentle heart, much like Goku, but he lacks his father’s love for fighting. Despite this, Gohan enjoys using his powers when necessary, particularly in the role of the superhero Great Saiyaman, though he dislikes the fame and attention that often comes with it. This aversion to recognition is evident when he allows Mr. Satan to take credit for defeating Cell, preferring to keep his identity hidden.

Although Gohan has stated that he doesn’t share Goku’s enthusiasm for combat, there are moments when he exhibits excitement about fighting. During the Zeno Expo, for instance, Gohan acknowledges that his Saiyan half is thrilled by the challenge posed by Top from Universe 11, illustrating that, despite his aversion to violence, he enjoys fighting as a sport. However, Gohan’s reluctance to engage in combat likely stems from the many traumatic battles he experienced as a child, which may have created negative associations with fighting.

Despite his kind-hearted nature, Gohan has been susceptible to arrogance when his power is significantly increased. This trait first became apparent when he transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 during the battle with Cell, as he relished in his newfound superiority. Similarly, when he achieved his Ultimate form against Super Buu, Gohan displayed a cocky attitude. This overconfidence, possibly a result of his Saiyan heritage, has led to several near-defeats and costly mistakes, such as his father’s death at Cell’s hands and his own absorption by Super Buu. However, under Piccolo’s mentorship, Gohan worked to overcome this flaw, learning not to let his power cloud his judgment. By the time he confronted Cell Max, Gohan demonstrated a more disciplined approach to his power, swiftly eliminating the threat without hesitation.

Gohan’s bond with Piccolo is one of the most important relationships in his life. After Goku’s death, Piccolo became Gohan’s mentor, training him to unlock his latent potential. Though their relationship began on hostile terms, Piccolo’s growing affection for Gohan eventually led him to sacrifice himself to save the boy from Nappa, solidifying their bond. Over time, Gohan came to regard Piccolo as a surrogate uncle. Gohan also shares a close relationship with Krillin, whom he views as an uncle figure, given Krillin’s close friendship with Goku. While Gohan deeply cares for his mother, Chi-Chi, he, like Goku, fears her temper, although he is willing to defy her when necessary, such as when he insisted on going to Namek to revive Piccolo.

After the Cell Games, Gohan briefly abandoned martial arts to focus on his studies, only resuming his training at his younger brother Goten’s urging. Though he admitted he had fallen out of practice, Gohan fought Majin Buu with renewed determination, eager to avenge his fallen family and friends. In the years that followed, Gohan balanced his roles as a scholar, husband, and father, marrying Videl and raising their daughter, Pan. He proved to be a devoted family man, deeply attached to his wife and daughter, despite the pressures of his academic career.

In contrast to his father, Gohan demonstrates an interest in romance, developing feelings for Videl, though his shy nature sometimes leaves him oblivious to her advances. Over time, they grew closer, especially after Videl’s brutal match against Spopovich, during which Gohan’s rage caused him to transform involuntarily into a Super Saiyan. His concern for Videl and his desire to protect her strengthened their relationship, culminating in their marriage and the birth of Pan. Gohan’s love for Videl was evident when he angrily opposed Goku’s suggestion of using her to bribe Old Kai during the Fusion Saga, a display of temper reminiscent of his mother, Chi-Chi.

In the anime, Gohan’s realization of the importance of training is reinforced after witnessing the deaths of Piccolo, Videl, and Pan at the hands of Frieza, motivating him to resume his training under Piccolo. Gohan returned to his role as Great Saiyaman, even becoming a stunt double in a movie adaptation of the superhero. Though initially blackmailed by pop idol Cocoa Amaguri, Gohan’s devotion to his family remained steadfast, and he ultimately defeated the possessed Barry Kahn to protect Videl and Pan.

By the time of the Tournament of Power, Gohan had regained much of his former strength and was entrusted with the leadership of Universe 7’s team by Goku. Gohan’s strategy and intelligence made him an effective leader, as he developed tactics to defeat their opponents. Even Frieza, who harbored disdain for all Saiyans, complimented Gohan’s leadership abilities. Gohan’s ultimate goal is not just to surpass his father but to do so on his own terms by honing his natural abilities rather than relying on Super Saiyan transformations.

InDragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan is shown to have become deeply immersed in his scholarly pursuits, to the point of neglecting his family and training, much to Piccolo’s frustration. However, Gohan’s devotion to his studies also had lasting effects on the world, as his research into ki and martial arts sparked a renewed global interest in fighting, leading to the formation of new martial arts schools and a revival of Earth’s martial arts culture.