Tien is a three-eyed man who was originally trained as an assassin under one of Master Roshi's rivals. After realizing he did not want to be an assassin, his best friend Chaiotzu and him switched sides and became Z fighters. Chaiotzu and Tien can communicate telepathically. His fighting techniques include the ability to hover in the air, throw concentration bombs, and split into two or four seperate entities. Tien can stop a waterfall with a blast and crush rocks on his head.

Tien is excited about being trained by Kami to fight the Saiyans. He volunteers to be the first to fight the Saibamen, wins the battle, and goes on to fight against the Saiyans. He loses his best friend when Chaiotzu completes a suicide mission.