This is a list of characters in the Pokémon video games. All references to the "video games" collectively refer to Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, unless noted otherwise.
Main characters
editProtagonists
editThe protagonist of the video games can be renamed by the player, but each has an array of default names. As the anime and the various manga are, to differing degrees, based on the games, other Pokémon protagonists (or supporting characters) are often named after and share many characteristics with the game protagonists.
- Red (レッド, Reddo) — The male protagonist of Pokémon Red, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen. This character also appears in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as an optional, high-level boss battle. Ritchie or Red in Pokémon Adventures are both based on this protagonist. The protagonist of Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition is based on Ash Ketchum.
- Leaf (リーフ, Leaf) — The female protagonist of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Her design is based on Green from Pokémon Adventures, who was in turn based on the Lass generic opponent and concept art for a third female protagonist of the original Red, Green, and Blue games. If a name is not chosen for her, the game will give you a few names to choose from, such as Leaf, Momo, Fire, Green, Red, and Rey.
- Gold (ゴールド, Gōrudo) — The male protagonist of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. In the games, Gold is a young trainer from the Johto region, who sets out to prove himself three years after Red became the League Champion. Gold is the male protagonist in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Gold's journey as a Pokémon trainer begins when Professor Elm asks him to run an errand for Mr. Pokémon, who lives north of Cherrygrove City. This protagonist is the inspiration for Jimmy, one of the heroes of "The Legend of Thunder", the multipart episode at the beginning of Pokémon Chronicles. Gold inspired Gold of Pokémon Adventures.
- Kris (クリス, Kris) — The female protagonist of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Her adventure in the games is similar to the male protagonist. This protagonist is the inspiration for Marina, one of the heroes of "The Legend of Thunder", the multipart episode at the beginning of Pokémon Chronicles. Kris inspired Crystal of Pokémon Adventures.
- Brendan (ユウキ, Yūki) — The male protagonist of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. This protagonist is known as Brendan, because of his default name as the rival (If the player chooses a female protagonist, the rival is male and named Brendan). Brendan made some cameo appearances in the opening of Jirachi Wish Maker, Pokémon Ranger the Temple of the Sea and Giratina and the Sky Warrior. Brendan also inspired Ruby in Pokémon Adventures.
- May (ハルカ, Haruka) — The female protagonist of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. This protagonist is known as May, because of her default name as the rival (If the player chooses a male protagonist, the rival is female and named May). May inspired May in the Pokémon anime. May also inspired Sapphire in Pokémon Adventures.
- Lucas (コウキ, Kōki) or Dawn (ヒカリ, Hikari) — The protagonists of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum Lucas is the male, and Dawn is the female. Lucas has yet to be appear in the anime but is the base for Dia from the manga, while Dawn inspired the Dawn from the Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl anime and (Ms.) Berlitz from the manga.
Antagonists
editThe main character's rival in the video games has a number of default names, but he (or she) roughly corresponds to several other characters in the Pokémon anime and Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special in Japan). (Note that not all of the corresponding characters are rivals or antagonists to the protagonist in the anime or in Pokémon Adventures, however.) In the Pokémon video games, the rivals will always pick a starter Pokémon which has a type advantage over the player's own.
- Blue Oak (オーキド・グリーン, Ōkido Gurīn, Green Okido) — The player's rival in Pokémon Red, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen. He is pushy and competitive, but is generally a good Pokémon Trainer. He is the grandson of Professor Oak. Gary Oak in the anime and Blue in Pokémon Adventures is based on this rival, although in the manga he is instead cold and aloof. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, this rival runs the Viridian City Gym, replacing the now-missing Giovanni. He has a sister named Daisy, and is fond of saying "Smell ya later".
- Silver (シルバー, Shirubā) — The player's rival in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. This character steals his first Pokémon from Professor Elm, and tends to see Pokémon as tools, to use and discard, although not in the Pokémon Adventures. Unlike the first rival, his view on Pokémon makes him a mediocre trainer, though the sage in the Sprout Tower recognises that he is talented has great potential. His default name is "???", but the player may also choose a name for him. This rival doesn't appear in the anime mainly, but is featured in the Japanese opening for Pokémon Chronicles. however, Paul acts very similar to Silver, and appears to have the same attitude and taste towards Pokémon as Silver. The rival is featured in Pokémon Adventures as Silver.
- Brendan (ユウキ, Yūki) or May (ハルカ, Haruka) — The rivals in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald is either May or Brendan. They are the opposite gender of the protagonist, have an agreeable and encouraging attitude, and are the child of Professor Birch. The female main character/rival is the basis for May in the anime. You cannot name your rival in these games. Brendan is your rival's name if you choose the male trainer, and May is your rival's name if you choose the female.
- Wally (ミツル, Mitsuru) — Another one of the rivals in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald is your protégé, Wally. In the beginning, he is a sickly young boy who needs help in catching a Pokémon. He goes to your dad for advice but then your dad tells you to help him catch a Pokémon. You use your dad's Zigzagoon to help catch him a Ralts. The next time he battles you, he seems better of his sickness and is in tune with his Pokémon. He battles you for the last official time near Victory Road and waits there, always ready for another battle from you.
- Lucas (コウキ, Kōki) or Dawn (ヒカリ, Hikari) — The rivals in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum is the opposite gender of your character and is one of Rowan's assistants. The female will have the name of Dawn and the male will have the name of Lucas. In both cases, they won't fight you, but rather aid you in your quest. They have a little sister in Sandgem Town that watches TV and tells you where swarms of Pokémon come. The female character is the inspiration for Dawn in the anime.
- Pearl (パール, Pearl) — The other rival (who can be named at the player's choice) is a blond-headed boy who is impatient and determined to be the best Trainer of all time. His father Palmer owns the Battle Tower in Sinnoh, and his skill and wanderlust has apparently rubbed off on his son. At times he'll aid the player, but, more often than not, he'll pick fights with the player. He tends to crash into people quite often as he runs about. His final battle with the player is in the Fight Area, and he can be fought again during weekends.
Gym Leaders
editGym Leaders lead Pokémon Gyms, and offer Gym Badges to Pokémon trainers who can defeat them in a challenge. Usually, this challenge takes the form of a Pokémon battle, but, occasionally, the challenges are a trial of skill or endurance, or the badges are given in return for extraordinary services rendered.
Each region has at least eight Gym Leaders at a time. Any trainer who earns a Gym Badge from eight Gyms is eligible to go on to face the Elite Four or participate in the Pokémon League Championships, as appropriate.
Kanto
editJohto
editHoenn
editSinnoh
editMembers of the Elite Four
editThe Elite Four (四天王, Shitennō, lit. "Four Heavenly Kings") are fictional characters in the Pokémon video game series, anime, and manga. In the video games, the player must defeat these powerful Pokémon Trainers to complete the game.
Kanto members
editJohto members
editHoenn members
editSinnoh members
editBattle Frontier Frontier Brains
editThe Frontier Brains are a fictional group of powerful Pokémon trainers from the Battle Frontier who appears in Pokémon Emerald and Pokémon Platinum. Each Brain resides at a Frontier facility and has his or her own title. After defeating a Frontier Brain, the trainer will receive a Silver Symbol (1st time) or Gold Symbol (2nd time).
- The Factory Head Noland (ファクトリーヘッド ダツラ, Fakutorī Heddo Datsura, Factory Head Datsura in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Factory in Hoenn. He hands out the Silver Knowledge Symbol to Pokémon trainers who defeat him, and the Gold Knowledge Symbol to trainers who defeat him twice.
- The Arena Tycoon Greta (アリーナキャプテン コゴミ, Arīna Kyaputen Kogomi, Arena Captain Kogomi in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Arena. She hands out the Silver Guts Symbol to Pokémon trainers who defeat her once, and the Gold Guts Symbol to trainers who defeat her twice.
- The Dome Ace Tucker (ドームスーパースター ヒース, Dōmu Sūpāsutā Hīsu, Dome Superstar Heath in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Dome. Tucker prefaces battles with narcissistic comments, and enjoys the sound of a crowd chanting his name. He uses Pokémon that are one of a kind, for example, the final evolutions of starter Pokémon. He turns over the Silver Tactics Symbol to trainers who defeat him once, and the Gold Tactics Symbol to those who defeat him twice.
- The Pike Queen Lucy (チューブクイーン アザミ, Chūbu Kuīn Azami, Tube Queen Azami in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Pike. Lucy prefers to use serpent-like Pokémon. She is very tall,quiet and pale, with knee length black hair and sharp looking eyes. Never saying much, defeated or otherwise; but she does state that it took a great deal of work to get to her level of skill. She hands over the Silver Luck Symbol to those who defeat her once and the Gold Luck Symbol to those who defeat her twice.
- The Palace Maven Spenser (パレスガーディアン ウコン, Paresu Gādian Ukon, Palace Guardian Ukon in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Palace. Because of his Unown tattoo and his Kyogre symbol staff, many fans wonder what his connection to these Pokémon are. Spenser hands out the Silver Spirits Symbol to Pokémon trainers who defeat him once and the Gold Spirits Symbol to trainers who defeat him twice.
- The Pyramid King Brandon (ピラミッドキング ジンダイ, Piramiddo Kingu Jindai, Pyramid King Jindai in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Pyramid. He uses trios of Legendary Pokémon. Brandon hands out the Silver Bravery Symbol to Pokémon trainers who defeat him once, and the Gold Bravery Symbol to trainers who defeat him twice.
- The Salon Maiden Anabel (タワータイクーン リラ, Tawā Taikūn Rira, Tower Tycoon Lilla in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Tower. She uses a variety of Pokémon. In the manga, she is the leader of the Frontier Brains, and her Battle Tower is considered "special". She gives the Silver Ability Symbol to trainers who defeat her once .The Gold Ability Symbol to trainers who defeat her twice.
- Factory Head Thorton (ファクトリーヘッド ネジキ, Fakutorī Heddo Nejiki, Factory Head Nejiki in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Factory in Sinnoh. He hands out the Silver Factory Medal to Pokémon trainers who defeat him, and the Coloured Factory Medal to trainers who defeat him twice.
- Hall Matron Argenta (ステージマドンナ ケイト, Stage Madonna Kate in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Stage. She hands out the Silver Stage Medal to Pokémon trainers who defeat her, and the Coloured Stage Medal to trainers who defeat her twice. In this place, it's one-on-one (for single) and you get to pick your opponent's type.
- Arcade Star Dahlia (ルーレットゴーデス ダリア, Roulette Goddess Dahlia in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Arcade. She hands out the Silver Roulette Medal to Pokémon trainers who defeat her, and the Coloured Roulette Medal to trainers who defeat her twice. Her facility uses random events to challenge Trainers with unexpected goals.
- Castle Valet Darach & Lady Caitlin (キャッスルバトラー コクラン, Castle Butler Kokuran & Cattleya in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Castle. He fights in place of the princess of the Battle Castle, Cattleya, who presides over the battle. He hands out the Silver Castle Medal to Pokémon trainers who defeat him, and the Coloured Castle Medal to trainers who defeat him twice.
- Tower Tycoon Palmer (タワータイクーン クロツグ, Tawā Taikūn Kurotsugu, Tower Tycoon Kurotsugu in original Japanese language versions) resides in the Battle Tower. He first appears in Diamond and Pearl where he is not a Frontier Brain, but simply the leader of the Battle Tower (as the Battle Frontier does not exist in those games). Palmer is also the father of the player's rival. He hands out the Silver Tower Medal to Pokémon trainers who defeat him, and the Coloured Tower Medal to trainers who defeat him twice.
Other minor characters
edit- error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help) — The head of the Pokémon Fan Club, a Pokémon lover association. There are three known chairmen. The Kanto Pokémon Fan Club Chairman first appears in the fan clubhouse in Vermilion City in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen. He talks about his two favorite Pokémon, Rapidash and Fearow at length and then gives the player a coupon to get a bicycle. In Pokémon Yellow he got a new hobby - taking Pokémon photos. The big photos of his Rapidash and Fearow can be seen on the walls of the clubhouse. He appears again in Pokémon Gold, Silver in the same place. Again, he talks about his Rapidash and gives player a Rare Candy for listening to his story. He also claims to have raised over 150 Pokémon in his life. The Hoenn Pokémon Fan Club Chairman at the club house in Slateport City in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. He claims to have raised over 100 different Pokémon in his lifetime. He travels across the nation on his Fearow. The Sinnoh Pokémon Fan Club Chairman appears in Hearthome City in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. He says that his Fan Club is number one nationwide because he brags more than anyone. However, he doesn't do it anymore because of people's complaints. This may also explain why only one member is found in his club.
- Mr. Fuji (Elderly Fuji) — Mr. Fuji is a kind old man who lives in Lavender Town, Kanto in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen. He looks after abandoned and orphaned Pokémon in Lavender Town and subscribes to Pokémon Fan Magazine. He is not a native of Lavender Town; he used to live on Cinnabar Island and is the founder of the island's laboratory. He used to be a close friend of Cinnabar Gym Leader, Blaine (Pokémon), as the photo in the gym shows them together. When members of Team Rocket killed a Marowak in Pokémon Tower, Mr. Fuji marched up to their hideout and started to rant about how Team Rocket was abusing Pokémon. Team Rocket held him hostage until the protagonist drove the poachers out of the tower and rescued him. In gratitude, Mr. Fuji gives the main character a Poké Flute. Mr. Fuji wishes for the happiness of all Pokémon and cares for the Cubone that Team Rocket orphaned.
- Eusine (Minaki), called Eugene in Pokémon Chronicles — Appears in the Pokémon video game Pokémon Crystal. A self-declared Legendary Pokémon expert, he ventures around Johto in search of Suicune. The player first meets him at Burnt Tower in Ecruteak City. After you wake Suicune, he will inform your character that he has been searching for Suicune for more than 10 years, and he will thank you for finally letting him see the legendary Pokémon. He also battles the player at Cianwood City, using Hypno, Haunter, and Electrode as his Pokémon. After you catch Suicune at Tin Tower, Eusine will come to congratulate you. The player can later find Eusine at Celadon City, in Kanto. After Raikou and Entei are captured, Eusine returns to the Tin Tower upon hearing reports of Ho-oh being sighted.
- Scott (Enishida) — The founder of the Battle Frontier and retired Pokémon League Champion, in Pokémon Emerald. Scott appears throughout Pokémon Emerald in various locations in Hoenn, where he can be talked to by the player. When the player first arrives at the Battle Frontier, Scott will award him or her with 1BP for each time they spoke.
- Cheryl (Momi) — She is one of five Trainers who can join with the main character during an event in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. She first appears in Eterna Forest. She asks the player to join her because she's afraid she might run into Team Galactic. Her Chansey uses restoration techniques like Refresh and Softboiled. Later, she can join the player in competition at Sinnoh's Battle Tower.
- Riley (Gen) — A tag-team trainer in Sinnoh that gives you a Riolu egg in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. In Platinum he gives you the ability Strength. He appears in the anime as a Pokémon trainer specializing in the steel-type, and is staying at Iron Island for the study of said type. Due to the strange behavior of the Steel-types on the island due to Team Galactic, he decided to investigate it with the help of his Lucario. Riley bears a striking resemblance to Sir Aaron in the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew as well as having a Lucario of his own, and having the ability to manipulate Aura.
- Mira (Miru) — Mira is one of five Trainers who can join with the main character during an event in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Later, she can join the player in competition at Sinnoh's Battle Tower. She first appears in the Wayward Cave lost inside looking for Pokémon, and needs to be escorted out. Mira says she prefers using support moves like Flash. Mira seems to admire the player, saying that she wants to be like the player when she grows up. She also tends to refer to herself in the third person; using her own name instead of saying "I".
- Buck (Baku) — He is one of five Trainers who can join with the main character during an event in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Buck is a strong Trainer from Survival Area which is close to Stark Mountain volcano, where he loves to train. He appears at Stark Mountain and is part of the event required to catch Heatran. Later, he can join the player in competition at Sinnoh's Battle Tower. Buck's older brother is an Elite Four member, but who it is exactly remains unknown. His grandfather runs and cooks at the Battleground.
- Marley (Mai) — She is one of five Trainers who can join with the main character during an event in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. She first appears in a part of Victory Road only accessible after defeating the Elite Four. Later, she can join the player in competition at Sinnoh's Battle Tower.
Pokémon Professors
editThe Pokémon Professors give new Pokémon trainers a starting Pokémon appropriate to their region, and entrust them with a task (be it completing a Pokédex, delivering an object, or otherwise offering encouragement). They are also leading researchers of Pokémon-related topics, and mentor Pokémon trainers in a general way. It's interesting to note that almost all Pokémon Professors have the name of some sort of woody plant: Oak, Elm, Birch, and Rowan, with the exception of Professor Hastings.
- Professor Samuel Oak (Yukinari Ōkido-Hakase) — A Pokémon researcher and the grandfather of Blue in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen. He is often considered the leading Pokémon expert, often giving lectures to Pokémon academies and hosting a radio show in Goldenrod City. Alongside his research, he is also authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander.
- Professor Elm (Utsugi-Hakase) — An absentminded Pokémon researcher, and former student of Professor Oak. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, he is authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Johto starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. He is also credited as discovering that Pikachu is an evolved Pokémon.
- Professor Birch (Odamaki-Hakase) — A Pokémon researcher, known for his fieldwork. In Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, he is authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Hoenn starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip.
- Professor Rowan (Nanakamado-Hakase) — The Pokémon Professor in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, having returned to Sinnoh after four years of traveling abroad. He is authorized to give trainers one of three Sinnoh starter Pokémon, Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup.
PC developers
edit- Bill (Masaki Sonezaki) — The inventor of the PC storage system in Kanto/Johto. In the games, he manages to turn himself into a human-Pokémon hybrid by accident. (This amazes the player's Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition.) His favourite Pokémon are Eevee and its evolutions. According to FireRed and LeafGreen, Bill seems to be allergic to dairy products, and his first Pokémon was an Abra. In the anime, Bill was presented with green hair, but all other reincarnations of him included brown hair.
- Celio — a Pokémon storage system programmer and good friend of Bill who lives in the Sevii Islands. Celio runs the Pokémon Net Center on Knot Island in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. He needs the player's help to finish the incomplete Pokémon Network machine. This machine is capable of transferring Pokémon between Kanto and Hoenn. To assist with this quest, Celio will give the Rainbow Pass and upgrade the Town Map so it shows the locations of the final four Sevii Islands.
- Lanette — The inventor of Hoenn's storage system in the Pokémon games. It is implied in-game that she is close friends with Bill. The player can read an E-mail on Lanette's laptop from Bill complimenting her success with the Hoenn PC system. Her house is littered with books and she rewards visiting players with a doll, asking them not to tell anyone. In the Pokémon Special manga she, along with her sister, went to Kanto to upgrade its Pokémon storage system, and make it possible to exchange Pokémon with Hoenn.
- Brigette — The older sister of Lanette and the host of Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire. She upgraded the Pokémon storage system with the ability to hold 1500 Pokémon, and the ability to select and move multiple Pokémon at once. She's also generous, and will give away Pokémon eggs containing special Pokémon if certain conditions are met. In the Pokémon Special manga she, along with her sister, went to Kanto to upgrade its Pokémon storage system, and make it possible to exchange Pokémon with Hoenn.
- Bebe — The inventor and manager of the PC storage system in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. She who developed Sinnoh's Pokémon storage system based on the previous designs of Bill and Lanette. Her house, which is next to the Pokémon Center in Hearthome, is not quite as cluttered as Lanette's. Bebe is good friends with Hayley, who owns a ranch in which Pokémon can be stored, and they still keep in contact with each other. After the player obtains the National Dex, she will give them a level 5 Eevee. In Pokémon Platinum, the Eevee is available right away at level 20, without the need of the National Dex.