There's no denying Vegeta's status as one of the greatest characters in Dragon Ball. He's one of the few characters in anime who started as a villain and managed to become a more important hero than almost anyone else, cementing himself as arguably the greatest secondary main character in the art form.

While it might not always seem like it, Vegeta is one of the most thoughtful characters in the series. When Goku is quick to rush into battle, Vegeta is pensive, looking for any potential pitfalls he might fall into. His thoughtful nature exists outside the battlefield as well, and there's one moment in particular that captures the pinnacle of Vegeta's attentive attitude.

Vegeta Has Always Been One of Dragon Ball's Best Characters

Vegeta was never meant to become such a significant part of Dragon Ball. Series creator Akira Toriyama admitted that he intended to kill Vegeta early in the series, but he became incredibly popular almost instantly, making him too valuable to get rid of. Even though he was meant to be a one-time villain, introduced and disposed of without a second thought, the Prince of all Saiyans became integral to the franchise.

Dragon Ball wouldn't be the franchise it is without Vegeta. While Goku is always taking the spotlight, Vegeta is their to push his rival to greater heights. During the Tournament of Power, one of the best arcs in the Dragon Ball franchise, Vegeta delivers a speech where he commands Goku to defeat Jiren once and for all. It's an amazing moment that shows just how close the pair have become.

There are plenty of exceptional moments in the series, and a few great quotes that encapsulate them. Goku's first Super Saiyan transformation, where he proudly declares that he's "the hope of the universe" and Vegeta asking Android 19 if it "experiences fear" are two of the best, but there's one quote that exists at the absolute peak of Dragon Ball.

Vegeta's Final Atonement Is the Peak of His Character Arc

Out of all of Vegeta's amazing character moments, there's one that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest: his Final Atonement. During the fight against Majin Buu, Vegeta realizes the situation has gone too far. He reverted to his old ways, choosing power instead of his friends and family in a moment of cowardice and weakness. After knocking Goku out, he flew to face Majin Buu one last time.

Majin Vegeta is one of Vegeta's strongest forms in Dragon Ball, and his most powerful form at this point in the series. Even with all of his newfound power, Vegeta couldn't destroy Buu once and for all, leaving him to make one last desperate push. He knocked out Trunks and Goten, gave them to Piccolo, and went to destroy himself in an attempt to kill Buu as well.

Before blowing himself up and taking Buu with him, Vegeta reflects. He dedicates his sacrifice first to his wife, then his son, and finally, his rival. It's a shocking character moment for a man who just threw everything away in the pursuit of power, but a moment that shows who he has truly become. The Prince of all Saiyans isn't a man who lives solely for himself anymore — he lives, and dies, for those he loves.

Goku has barely changed throughout the iterations of Dragon Ball, Gohan has arguably gotten worse as a character throughout the series, and Piccolo was never meant to take the spotlight. When it comes to character arcs, nobody surpasses Vegeta. His quote from the Buu Saga is the single best in the franchise, and over three decades later, there hasn't been another moment in Dragon Ball quite as meaningful.