If Nappa Hadnt Been Killed by Vegeta: Could He Have Become a Good Person?

In the Dragon Ball series, the question of whether Nappa would have become a good person if Vegeta hadn't killed him is a topic of much speculation. The series doesn't delve deeply into Nappa's character beyond his role as a villain, but we can hypothesize about the possibilities based on his character traits and the narrative context.

Character Traits

Nappa is portrayed as a ruthless and aggressive warrior, primarily loyal to Vegeta and driven by the desire for power and destruction. These traits suggest that he might not have had the inclination to change without significant influence. His focus on raw strength and dominance indicates a mindset that is difficult to shift without external forces or profound life experiences.

Influence of Vegeta

A key factor in Nappa's development is the influence of Vegeta. Vegeta's decision to kill Nappa was partly motivated by Nappa's failure in battle and his lack of power compared to Vegeta's expectations. If Vegeta had chosen to spare him, Nappa might have been forced to reevaluate his loyalty and actions, especially with the arrival of stronger opponents. This scenario could have led to a transformative experience for Nappa, pushing him to consider his place in the hierarchy and the value of his actions.

Potential for Redemption

Many stories feature characters who, given a second chance, find paths to redemption. If Nappa had survived, he might have had the opportunity to learn from his experiences and possibly align himself with the Z Fighters. Witnessing the strength and camaraderie of characters like Goku and his friends could have provided Nappa with the motivation to change. Such a transformation would likely have required significant changes in his motivations and circumstances, but it is not impossible to imagine.

Narrative Purpose

From a storytelling perspective, Nappa served as a foil to the protagonists. His death helped emphasize Vegeta's ruthless nature. A narrative shift where Nappa becomes a good person could have altered the overall tone and direction of the story. However, this shift would have required a significant reimagining of Nappa's character and the series' overall narrative framework.

In conclusion, while it is possible to imagine scenarios where Nappa could have become a better person, the existing characterization and narrative context suggest that such a transformation would have required substantial changes in his motivations and circumstances.

Personal Perspective

Honestly, I think so. There are kernels of goodness in Nappa that are often overshadowed by his aggressive and selfish behavior. For instance, Nappa's desire to revive Raditz, his indignation about the destruction of Planet Vegeta, and his willingness to be considered a hero on Arlia despite the anime filler context, all suggest a more complex character than just a mindless enforcer. Given proper leadership and the right circumstances, Nappa could very well have become a good guy faster than Prince Vegeta himself.