Fall is in the air, so let's welcome the season with more of Sun Tzu's exceptional wisdom rating anime's finest.
As a quick refresher, here's how the rating system works. Sun Tzu cited Five Essential Factors to be Mastered for Victory: Morality, Weather, Terrain, Good Leadership, and Preparation. All under consideration can receive 0-10 points in each category. However, he also cited Five Fatal Failings of Leadership: Recklessness, Cowardice, A Hasty Temper (Anger for simplicity), Delicacy of Honor (DOH), and Caring Too Much About the Troops (Over-caring). All under consideration can lose 0-10 points in each category. At the end, the scores are tallied, and the results reveal how effective a character is in Sun Tzu's eyes, with the best aiming for 40 or better.
This time, we're analyzing a true classic: Goku, Bulma, Master Roshi, Oolong, Puar, Yamcha, the Ox King, and Chi-Chi from the first saga of Dragon Ball. As always, to keep things fair, we'll analyze them in the order they were formally introduced, plus confine everything to the first saga to prevent too many spoilers.
Character Analysis: Goku
Dragon Ball: Goku
Dragon Ball: Goku
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
9
He's kind and very generous, especially with animals, yet sometimes gets a tad selfish with food. Admittedly, he lost it in Giant Monkey Mode, but that was an internal instinct; his own mind was "asleep" the whole time.
Weather
7
He's great under most circumstances, but letting him see the full moon isn't wise, at least with his tail attached.
Terrain
7
He's very capable, especially with his power pole and flying nimbus, yet sometimes gets caught off-guard, and loses most of his potential when he's hungry.
Good Leadership
4
He's assertive against most villains, but mostly varies between follower and leader.
Preparation
5
He's well trained, and learned Kamehameha Wave with lightning speed. Unfortunately, his naivete causes a lot of problems, starting with the first Dragon Ball, then slowly billowing with each new area he encounters.
Total
32
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-9
Major red flag. He often underestimates foes, and tends to impulsively misread situations, like when he thought Chi-Chi was referring to something to eat when she mentioned "bride".
Cowardice
-2
He's a tad indecisive, yet not enough to worry.
Anger
-5
He's got a temper, but rarely snaps; admittedly, he went insane in Giant Monkey Mode, but that was that same instinct, not him.
Delicacy of Honor
-4
He's a tad cocky, yet not enough to really worry here either.
Over-caring
-5
He was very close to his grandfather Gohan, and soon becomes very close to Bulma and his other acquaintances.
Total
-25
Final Assessment
Score: 7 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Bulma
Dragon Ball: Bulma
Dragon Ball: Bulma
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
7
She's got a good heart and is very generous with her Capsule tech, but can get very selfish, namely her only wanting the Dragon Balls so she can wish for the perfect boyfriend.
Weather
5
She's okay thanks to her tech, yet still very frail and doesn't do well in extreme heat.
Terrain
4
She's good with some situations, but frequently gets caught off-guard, especially with villains like Monster Carrot and Pilaf.
Good Leadership
5
She's assertive with Goku and Oolong, yet tends to go rogue around Yamcha, and isn't always very clear about her intentions or technology.
Preparation
5
She's very smart, but was surprisingly naive about the dangers of the outside world.
Total
26
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-9
Major red flag. She constantly underestimates others, is extremely impulsive when she's angry or excited, and gets very careless under pressure, something that badly cost her when she slapped Monster Carrot's hand and turned into a carrot.
Cowardice
-5
She's initially shy with Yamcha, yet slowly improves over time, hence the lower rating.
Anger
-7
Slight red flag. She's a hothead, plus easily triggered, usually by Goku or Oolong, although Master Roshi isn't far behind.
Delicacy of Honor
-7
Slight red flag. She's cocky and very vain, issues that occasionally backfire, like when her clothes got ruined and the only thing available was a bunny costume.
Over-caring
-8
Serious red flag. She's infatuated with Yamcha, and soon becomes a big sister-like figure to Goku.
Total
-36
Final Assessment
Score: -10 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Master Roshi
Dragon Ball: Master Roshi
Dragon Ball: Master Roshi
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
5
He's actually got a good heart, which he proved by extinguishing the Ox-King's Castle fire and giving Goku the flying nimbus, but his dirty old man tendencies often push others away.
Weather
10
Due to his strength, training, and experience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
8
He's surprisingly nimble, although he's a tad clumsy, namely around Bulma.
Good Leadership
5
He's got some diplomatic skills and is a good teacher, yet ultimately is more lone wolf than leader.
Preparation
7
He's well-trained and wise, but wasn't the least bit ready for Goku's potency.
Total
35
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-8
Serious red flag. He often underestimates others, and is an impulsive pervert, particularly while watching workout videos.
Cowardice
-3
He's a tad indecisive, yet not enough to worry.
Anger
-2
He's got a slight temper, but not enough to worry here either.
Delicacy of Honor
-7
Slight red flag. He's very cocky, a flaw that badly cost him when Goku replicated his Kamehameha technique.
Over-caring
-5
He's very protective of his turtle friend and the Ox King, two factors that later led to his agreeing to train Goku.
Total
-25
Final Assessment
Score: 10 (Great potential, yet deeply flawed)
Character Analysis: Oolong
Dragon Ball: Oolong
Dragon Ball: Oolong
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
3
He's not all bad, but his caustic attitude and greed often alienate others, especially Puar, whom he used to bully.
Weather
5
He's okay most of the time, yet isn't the best at night or in the heat.
Terrain
5
He's observant, but very clumsy, particularly when trying to help Yamcha steal the Dragon Balls.
Good Leadership
4
He's good at manipulation and stealth, most famously when he stopped Pilaf's plot by wishing for the world's most comfortable pair of underwear, yet tends to go rogue at random times.
Preparation
5
He's skilled with changing magic and has some good coordination skills, but usually wings most other things.
Total
22
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-9
Major red flag. He often underestimates others, and is extremely tactless, like when he said Monster Carrot looked like "a reject from an Easter parade."
Cowardice
-6
He's a tad indecisive, especially after getting captured by Pilaf, then later freaked out when Goku went into Giant Monkey Mode.
Anger
-7
Slight red flag. He's a hothead, plus easily triggered, usually by foes, although he also has many spats with Bulma.
Delicacy of Honor
-7
Slight red flag. He's cocky and extremely vain, something that never truly goes away despite several close calls.
Over-caring
-4
He respects Goku and Bulma, and soon bonds with Yamcha and Puar.
Total
-33
Final Assessment
Score: -11 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Puar
Dragon Ball: Puar
Dragon Ball: Puar
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
7
She's sweet and a loyal friend, but has many caustic moments with Oolong.
Weather
8
She's capable due to her desert lifestyle and agility, yet isn't always effective at night.
Terrain
7
She's observant and has good instincts, namely when using changing magic, but still sometimes gets caught off-guard, such as when she almost got crushed by Goku's Giant Monkey Mode.
Good Leadership
3
She's good at pushing Yamcha and Bulma together, yet ultimately is more follower than leader.
Preparation
5
She's well-trained and has good improv skills, but mostly wings everything else.
Total
30
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-7
Slight red flag. She constantly underestimates others, and gets very careless when she's nervous, like when she almost dropped Bulma (in carrot form) during the Monster Carrot arc.
Cowardice
-5
She's very timid initially, plus freaked when Goku's Giant Monkey Mode activated, but slowly gets better over time, hence the lower rating.
Anger
-3
She's got a slight temper, yet not enough to worry.
Delicacy of Honor
-3
She's a tad cocky, but not enough to worry here either.
Over-caring
-7
Slight red flag. She's very close to Yamcha, and soon bonds with Bulma and Goku.
Total
-25
Final Assessment
Score: 5 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Yamcha
Dragon Ball: Yamcha
Dragon Ball: Yamcha
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
5
He's got a good heart, yet is very selfish, considering he spends most of the saga trying to steal the Dragon Balls for himself.
Weather
10
Thanks to his training, skill, and experience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
5
He's quick and agile, but also extremely clumsy and easily caught off-guard, most famously when he first fought Goku only to suddenly notice Bulma and literally topple over.
Good Leadership
5
He's got some good tactical skills and is great with ambushes, namely when he had Puar stop Goku's Giant Monkey Mode by cutting off his tail, yet is ultimately more lone wolf than leader.
Preparation
4
He's well-trained, especially with his famed "Wolf Fang Fist", but mostly wings everything else.
Total
29
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-8
Serious red flag. He often underestimates foes, and is extremely careless, like when he knocked out Chi-Chi without realizing she was the Ox King's daughter.
Cowardice
-7
Slight red flag. He panicked after KO'ing Chi-Chi, and is extremely shy around Bulma, so much so that (after saving her from Monster Carrot) he whimpered, "It was so much easier when she was just produce!"
Anger
-6
He's a hothead, and easily triggered, usually when someone attacks Bulma, although he also has some ugly moments with Oolong and Goku.
Delicacy of Honor
-7
Slight red flag. He's very cocky, something that constantly costs him with Goku, then later almost got him killed facing Pilaf and Goku's Giant Monkey Mode.
Over-caring
-7
Slight red flag. He's infatuated with Bulma, as well as very protective of Puar.
Total
-35
Final Assessment
Score: -6 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: The Ox King
Dragon Ball: The Ox King
Dragon Ball: The Ox King
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
7
He's a tad gruff, but has a good heart and is a very doting dad to Chi-Chi.
Weather
10
Thanks to his strength, resilience, and experience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
5
He's very capable against most foes, yet his sheer bulk makes him extremely clumsy; also, he strangely placed his castle atop a flammable peak.
Good Leadership
4
He's good at raising Chi-Chi, but is ultimately more lone wolf than leader.
Preparation
5
He's got some good improv skills, namely when summoning Master Roshi, yet wasn't the least bit ready for Goku's strength.
Total
31
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-9
Major red flag. He constantly underestimates others, particularly Goku and Master Roshi, and tends to impulsively rely on his size in combat.
Cowardice
-4
He got very jumpy when Chi-Chi vanished, and froze when Roshi destroyed his castle, but those were more exception than norm.
Anger
-7
Slight red flag. He's a hothead, plus easily triggered by intruders, although he also has no patience for anyone endangering Chi-Chi.
Delicacy of Honor
-3
He was cocky and proud at first, yet losing to Goku greatly humbled him, hence the much lower rating.
Over-caring
-8
Serious red flag. He's extremely protective of Chi-Chi, so much so that, as thanks for finding her and summoning Master Roshi, he betrothed her to Goku.
Total
-31
Final Assessment
Score: 0 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Chi-Chi
Dragon Ball: Chi-Chi
Dragon Ball: Chi-Chi
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
7
She's a tad gruff, but can be very sweet, especially after getting flattered.
Weather
10
Thanks to her experience, helmet tech, and speed, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
5
She's very quick, yet frequently gets caught off-guard, such as when she was chased by the t-rex in her initial appearance.
Good Leadership
3
She's aggressive with Master Roshi, but is ultimately more lone wolf than leader.
Preparation
5
She's very capable with her helmet weaponry, yet her naivete makes her very vulnerable, particularly around Goku.
Total
30
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-8
Serious red flag. She often underestimates foes, and tends to impulsively overreact when she's scared or angry, hence her destroying the t-rex after killing it.
Cowardice
-3
She freaked out around the t-rex, then later was jumpy with Yamcha, but not enough to truly worry.
Anger
-7
Slight red flag. She's got a short fuse, and is easily triggered, initially by Yamcha, although she also snapped with Master Roshi.
Delicacy of Honor
-7
Slight red flag. She's very proud, hence her melting when Yamcha tried to claim he was a secret admirer, then later exaggerating her nuptials with Goku.
Over-caring
-7
Slight red flag. She's very close to her dad, plus fell hard for Goku once she learned of their betrothal.
Total
-32
Final Assessment
Score: -2 (Nightmare scenario)
Reviewing the Results
This cast was really messy: tons of potential, both technological and tactical, most of which unraveled thanks to short fuses or bad judgment. Thus, it's no surprise their adventures often turn awkward, especially in the saga's latter half, but that harkens back to what's been said all along: follow Sun Tzu, and you'll win; ignore him, and you'll lose.
Dragon Ball Characters: Victory Factors Analysis
Character
Morality
Weather
Terrain
Leadership
Preparation
Final Score
Goku
9
7
7
4
5
32
Bulma
7
5
4
5
5
26
Master Roshi
5
10
8
5
7
35
Oolong
3
5
5
4
5
22
Puar
7
8
7
3
5
30
Yamcha
5
10
5
5
4
29
The Ox King
7
10
5
4
5
31
Chi-Chi
7
10
5
3
5
30
Dragon Ball Characters: Fatal Failings Analysis
Character
Recklessness
Cowardice
Anger
DOH
Over-caring
Final Score
Goku
-9
-2
-5
-4
-5
-25
Bulma
-9
-5
-7
-7
-8
-36
Master Roshi
-8
-3
-2
-7
-5
-25
Oolong
-9
-6
-7
-7
-4
-33
Puar
-7
-5
-3
-3
-7
-25
Yamcha
-8
-7
-6
-7
-7
-35
The Ox King
-9
-4
-7
-3
-8
-31
Chi-Chi
-8
-3
-7
-7
-7
-32
Dragon Ball Characters: Final Scores
Character
Final Score
Assessment
Goku
7
Nightmare scenario
Bulma
-10
Nightmare scenario
Master Roshi
10
Great potential, yet deeply flawed
Oolong
-11
Nightmare scenario
Puar
5
Nightmare scenario
Yamcha
-6
Nightmare scenario
The Ox King
0
Nightmare scenario
Chi-Chi
-2
Nightmare scenario
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Andrew's originally from Massachusetts, and has studied military history/tactics/strategy for almost 30 years. He has a BA in History (English minor) from UMASS Lowell and JD from Mass. School of Law. He can be found on Twitter (@AndrewNickers19) daily, analyzing characters via Sun Tzu.
Fun Fact
Andrew's a huge fan of anime music. He particularly recommends Crescent Love (Brighter than the Dawning Blue), Dream Riser (Girls Und Panzer), and the fight theme to Zoids: New Century.
