The characters beliefs are never challenged, he doesn't face internal conflict, never questions himself; hard to believe a character is struggling on a path when most of his time is spent lounging around and picking off low class prey. Then when he does get a worthy opponent, it's someone that won't challenge him beyond the physical, hell most of the time they aren't even swordsmen. Zoros character is dependent on this journey to become the WSS, so the more depth Oda places in that concept then the more depth Zoro will have as a character. Zoro is a hotheaded young man who doesn't know any better, he shouldn't remain that way; even something as simple as his philosophy on never losing again is completely delusional, yet Oda never has Zoro face that fact and grow from it. Zoro could also benefit from a little more levity, making a character look silly and foolish is what makes them endearing and relatable. He needs to also have Zoro interact with the crew more, like in meaningful ways, involve him in crewmates own conflicts, have Zoro use his experience and wisdom to aid them in whatever their going through, this will elevate his role on the crew.
Zoro is not allowed to be wrong, look bad, question himself, change his views, feel fear or seem foolish; this safe corner Oda has thrown Zoro into has completely drained him of substance and made him one note, but why change it when it works?.....is what Oda probably thinks. If this continues on to the end of the series, Zoro will end up as a character that's only remembered for his one liners and occasional decent fight, but there will be no other value to him, meaning when the series is done and fans after many years return to re-read One Piece, once they hit the post-timeskip, Zoro will cease to add anything worthwhile to the story; Oda can still change this if he is prepared to risk the squeaky clean image he tries to uphold of Zoro.
:cheers:
