Colonel Silver is a standout character in the beloved Japanese anime Dragon Ball, a series originally created by Akira Toriyama through his iconic manga. The show, known for its thrilling mix of action, adventure, and martial arts, centers around the journey of a young warrior named Son Goku as he searches for the seven magical Dragon Balls. Along the way, he encounters a wide cast of allies and enemies—and among the most notable of these adversaries is Colonel Silver.
As a high-ranking officer in the Red Ribbon Army, an organization led by the cunning Commander Red, Colonel Silver plays a pivotal role in the early arcs of the series. His mission? To seize the Dragon Balls and use them to build a devastating superweapon. Colonel Silver isn’t just another soldier—he’s a disciplined and shrewd commander responsible for overseeing the northern operations of the army. Known for his sharp mind and tactical brilliance, Colonel Silver frequently devises complex schemes aimed at capturing the Dragon Balls. He’s not only a master strategist but also highly skilled in combat, excelling in both hand-to-hand fighting and precision shooting, which makes him a serious threat to Goku and his companions.
Over the course of the series, Colonel Silver leads multiple confrontations against Goku and his team, which includes characters like Bulma, Yamcha, and Master Roshi. Though he demonstrates intelligence, military discipline, and relentless determination, his efforts are ultimately undone by Goku’s superior strength and resourcefulness. Still, despite his defeat, Colonel Silver leaves a strong impression on fans. Even today, Colonel Silver remains one of the most memorable villains in the Dragon Ball universe. His fierce loyalty to the Red Ribbon Army and his obsessive pursuit of the Dragon Balls paint him as both a powerful antagonist and a somewhat tragic figure—driven by duty, yet doomed by his inflexibility.
When we look deeper into his behavior, it becomes clear that Colonel Silver likely fits the ESTJ personality type—commonly known as “The Executive.” This makes sense when you consider how often Colonel Silver takes charge, demands order, and expects strict compliance from his subordinates. He thrives in structured environments and is deeply focused on tangible outcomes, such as gaining power through the Dragon Balls. Rather than being guided by emotions, Colonel Silver relies on logic and efficiency when making decisions—a hallmark of the Thinking trait in the Myers-Briggs framework.
Moreover, Colonel Silver values hierarchy, rules, and systematic planning—all signs of a Judging preference. He doesn’t improvise; he strategizes. He doesn’t tolerate chaos; he eliminates it. This need for control and predictability defines much of his leadership style. In short, Colonel Silver embodies the ESTJ archetype through his authoritative demeanor, practical outlook, and unwavering focus on order and results.
Beyond the MBTI, Colonel Silver also aligns closely with the Enneagram Type One: The Perfectionist. This classification feels especially fitting because Colonel Silver consistently demonstrates a need for control, precision, and moral correctness. He enforces rules without compromise and expects nothing less than flawless execution from his troops. His drive to uphold the ideals of the Red Ribbon Army—even at great personal cost—shows his deep-rooted sense of duty.
However, this same perfectionism can become a flaw. Colonel Silver’s rigidity often blinds him to alternative approaches, and his tendency to criticize others can create tension within his ranks. While his intentions may stem from a desire for justice and order, his inability to adapt ultimately contributes to his downfall. Yet, this very trait—his commitment to principle—is what makes Colonel Silver such a compelling and layered villain.
In the end, while personality typing isn’t an exact science, analyzing Colonel Silver through frameworks like the ESTJ and Enneagram Type One offers valuable insight into his motivations and actions. Whether it’s his commanding presence or his relentless pursuit of perfection, Colonel Silver stands out as a character defined by discipline, structure, and an unyielding moral code. And even though he’s been defeated, Colonel Silver’s legacy in the Dragon Ball series continues to resonate with fans who appreciate a villain with purpose, pride, and principle.
Enough nonsense, you're dealing with Colonel Silver now!