Emperor Pilaf is one of the earliest antagonists in Dragon Ball. Accompanied by his loyal henchmen Shu and Mai, Pilaf is a bumbling villain obsessed with world domination through the Dragon Balls.

Despite his lack of power and constant failures, Pilaf’s schemes often set the stage for larger conflicts, making him an important part of the series’ comedic and adventurous tone. Pilaf’s character symbolizes ambition, persistence, and the often humorous consequences of unchecked greed.