Have you also grown up in the Pokémon universe, trading your cards in the schoolyard? (Never the shiny ones, of course!) Need a refresher on all the iconic characters, whether from the manga, the anime, or the games? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll (re)discover together the main characters from the series created by Satoshi Tajiri.
The Pokémon Characters in the Manga
The Pokémon manga, also known as Pocket Monsters Special, features many characters. Among the most popular arcs is, of course, the one focused on the adventures of two trainers from the Kanto region, Red and Blue, who set off to take on the Pokémon League challenge.
Over the course of their journey, Red and Blue (initially rivals) find themselves having to join forces to defeat the Team Rocket. This criminal organization exploits Pokémon for its own gain. It’s much later in the manga that Green, a mysterious young girl, joins our two favorite trainers.
Together, the three heroes face many trials. Red is notably tasked with helping Professor Oak capture Mewtwo, or rescuing a damsel in distress from wild Pokémon in Viridian Forest. Then each of them eventually goes their own way. The arc ends with Red’s spectacular victory over Blue during the Pokémon League championship. This Pokémon duel between the two rivals remains one of the most memorable moments in the saga.
Red
Red is the main character of the Pokémon manga, adapted from the playable character in the video games. This ambitious young man from Pallet Town dreams of becoming the world’s greatest Pokémon Trainer. Throughout his adventures, Red confronts the forces of Team Rocket and ends up winning the Pokémon League, thereby becoming the reigning Champion. His main Pokémon team includes Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu.
Blue
Blue is Red’s rival in the manga. As Professor Oak’s grandson, Blue often boasts that he defeated Team Rocket, even though Red reminds him he was scared to death at the time. Blue is a skilled trainer who eventually loses to Red at the Pokémon League championship. His main Pokémon team includes Blastoise (originally Squirtle), Pidgeot, and Alakazam.
Green
Green is a Pokémon trainer from Pallet Town, just like the main characters Red and Blue. She is initially one of the trio of trainers sent by Professor Oak to complete the Pokédex. In the "Red and Blue" arc, Green is described as a mischievous and cunning girl who doesn’t hesitate to use manipulation to achieve her goals.
However, she gradually forms bonds of friendship with Red and Blue. In the "FireRed and LeafGreen" arc, Green is 16 years old and is now described as a fashion enthusiast, loving accessories like earrings and shoes. Her main Pokémon team includes Totor (Squirtle), Doudou (Jigglypuff), and Momorph (Nidorina).
Professor Oak
Professor Samuel Oak is a renowned Pokémon researcher from the Kanto region. He is the one who gives Red and Blue their starter Pokémon for their journey. Professor Oak plays a key role in capturing the legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo.
Team Rocket
Team Rocket engages in numerous criminal activities, such as stealing rare Pokémon, conducting illegal experiments on Pokémon, and even attempting to take over the Pokémon League. They pose a constant threat to the protagonists throughout the series. Red and his friends find themselves repeatedly fighting against Team Rocket grunts. The organization is a major obstacle on Red’s path to becoming the Pokémon League Champion.
Jessie
Jessie is a member of Team Rocket, coming from a poor family that couldn’t fulfill their dreams. Her mother was one of Team Rocket’s most brilliant agents. Jessie is known for her fiery temper and her love of stylish clothing. She teams up with James.
James
James is Jessie’s partner in Team Rocket. Born into a wealthy family, he ran away to join this criminal organization. James is more thoughtful and calm than Jessie, but equally determined to catch Pikachu. He owns several Pokémon, including a Moltres.
Meowth
Meowth is the most famous and important Team Rocket Pokémon in the anime. Capable of speaking human language, Meowth is often teased by Jessie and James for his repeated failures. Despite this, he remains a loyal ally of the duo.
Giovanni
Giovanni is the head and founder of Team Rocket. He’s an ambitious man who dreams of dominating the world through Pokémon power. He has been defeated several times by Sacha (Ash) and his friends. After Team Rocket is disbanded, Giovanni attempts to rebuild it with the help of new recruits.
The Commanders
In the Gold and Silver arc, Team Rocket is led by four Commanders: Ariana, Petrel, Proton, and Archer. Their goal is to gather the 16 Plates representing the Pokémon types to control Arceus and bring Giovanni back to power. They’re willing to do anything to achieve their goal, even turning on each other.
Gym Leaders
Kanto Gym Leaders
- Brock (Pewter City): A Rock-type specialist, Brock is the first Gym Leader Red faces in the manga. He owns a Geodude and an Onix.
- Misty (Cerulean City): A Water-type specialist, Misty uses Staryu and Starmie. She appears as a rival to Red in the manga.
- Erika (Celadon City): A Grass-type specialist, Erika helps Red capture Mewtwo in a special arc.
- Giovanni (Viridian City): Though he doesn’t specialize in any particular type, Giovanni is a formidable trainer. He’s also the head of Team Rocket.
Gym Leaders from Other Regions
- Norman (Hoenn): The Gym Leader of Petalburg City; Norman specializes in Steel-type Pokémon in some adaptations (officially, he’s Normal-type in the games, but the text references Steel here).
- Clemont (Kalos): The Gym Leader of Lumiose City, Clemont is an Electric-type specialist.
- Piers (Galar): The Gym Leader of Spikemuth, Piers commands Dark-type Pokémon.
The Pokémon Characters in the Animated Series
The Pokémon animated series introduced characters who became iconic, such as Sacha, Pikachu, and their friends. Follow their adventures through the different seasons of the series, where they encounter trainers, gym leaders, and members of Team Rocket.
Main Characters
Sacha (Satoshi)
Sacha, or Satoshi in Japanese, is the main character of the Pokémon anime series. Hailing from Pallet Town, he dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master. Right from the start of his journey, he receives a Pikachu, who quickly becomes his most loyal partner despite a rocky start.
Sacha is known for his unwavering determination, courage, and competitive spirit. Over the seasons, he has traveled through many regions, entered various tournaments, and befriended other trainers. Always eager to learn and improve, he serves as a true role model for many young viewers.
Pikachu
Pikachu, the Electric-type Pokémon, is not only Sacha’s partner but also the official mascot of the Pokémon franchise. Recognizable by its red electric cheeks and its adorable cry, Pikachu remains both powerful in battle and affectionate toward its trainer. It symbolizes friendship and loyalty.
Jessie, James, and Meowth
Jessie, James, and Meowth, the comical members of Team Rocket, are determined to capture Sacha’s Pikachu. Despite their often-failed plans, they add humor and levity to the series. Their unique dynamic and unshakeable perseverance make them iconic antagonists, beloved by fans.
Brock (Takeshi)
Brock, or Takeshi in Japanese, is one of Sacha’s traveling companions, specializing in Rock-type Pokémon. He is the oldest in the group and aspires to become a renowned Pokémon Doctor. Brock also serves as the group’s pragmatic caretaker and cook, providing balance and support for his friends.
Misty (Kasumi)
Misty, known as Kasumi in Japan, is a Water-type Pokémon trainer. She joins Sacha at the start of his adventure, after Sacha borrows her bike. Determined and sometimes stubborn, she also serves as the Gym Leader of Cerulean City. Her fighting spirit inspires many young trainers.
Secondary Characters
Officer Jenny
Officer Jenny is an iconic figure in every city of the Pokémon world. Their mission is to maintain order, much like the police. Although each Jenny looks remarkably similar and shares the same dedication to the law, their family names differ. Their presence is a constant throughout the series.
Nurse Joy
Nurse Joy heals injured Pokémon in the Pokémon Centers found in every town. Identical in each facility, her constant kindness and medical expertise are a cornerstone for traveling Pokémon Trainers. Nurse Joy ensures the health and recovery of their partners.
Pokémon Professors
Pokémon Professors, such as Professor Oak, Professor Sycamore, and Professor Juniper, are scholars who study Pokémon. They provide valuable advice and starter Pokémon to new trainers. They play a critical role in educating and developing the skills of young heroes.
Gym Leaders
Gym Leaders are elite trainers who test the abilities of aspiring Pokémon Masters in specialized battles. Each leader specializes in a specific Pokémon type, presenting a unique challenge and a key milestone in every trainer’s journey. Beating these Leaders is not only proof of skill and strategy but also an essential step toward competing in the Pokémon League, where the best trainers face off against each other.
Rivals
Rivals such as Gary, Harrison, and Alain are other trainers who frequently challenge the protagonist. Each rival has their own motivations and strategies, pushing the hero to continually improve. These confrontations are crucial for Sacha’s battle skill development. Each rival brings a fresh perspective and new challenges that enrich the storyline and stimulate the personal and professional growth of the main character.
The Pokémon Characters in the Video Games
The Pokémon video games feature player-customizable characters, as well as many non-playable characters (NPCs). Each region has its own gym leaders, legendary trainers, and memorable antagonists.
First Generation
Pokémon Red and Blue
In Pokémon Red and Blue, players choose between a male or female character and face their rival, Gary. They meet allies such as Professor Oak, battle the gym leaders, and fight Team Rocket. The available starters are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow follows a similar pattern with a chosen player character, featuring Pikachu as the mandatory starter. Players face the same rival, receive help from Professor Oak, and fight the same gym leaders while also battling Team Rocket as the main antagonist.
Second Generation
Pokémon Gold and Silver
In Pokémon Gold and Silver, players choose between a male or female character and encounter a new rival. They receive one of three starters: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile. They battle the Johto gym leaders and fight a renewed Team Rocket.
Pokémon Crystal
Pokémon Crystal adds more depth, with the same playable characters and starters as in Gold and Silver. The game introduces encounters with Suicune as a key part of the story and continues clashes with Team Rocket while offering extra gym challenges.
Third Generation
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Players choose between a male or female hero and receive one of three starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip. They face their rival, the Hoenn gym leaders, and fight against an antagonistic organization, either Team Aqua or Team Magma, depending on the version.
Pokémon Emerald
Pokémon Emerald combines elements from Ruby and Sapphire, as players face both Team Aqua and Team Magma. They choose from the same characters and starters, meet key allies, and challenge the gym leaders along with a new challenge at the Battle Frontier.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
These remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue allow players to relive the classic adventures with either a male or female protagonist. They battle the same Team Rocket, the same gym leaders, and choose from the original three starters, all with updated graphics and gameplay.
Fourth Generation
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, players choose a male or female character, face their rival Barry, and team up with Professor Rowan. They challenge the Sinnoh gym leaders and oppose Team Galactic. The starters are Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup.
Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum features similar characters to Diamond and Pearl, with an expanded storyline. Players encounter Giratina in a parallel dimension while battling Team Galactic. The gym leaders are the same, though with tougher challenges. The starters remain Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup.
Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White introduce modern playable characters with two potential rivals, Cheren and Bianca, and assistance from Professor Juniper. Gym leaders differ throughout Unova, and the main antagonists are Team Plasma. The starter Pokémon are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
Fifth Generation
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
In these sequels, players again choose between a male or female hero and face a new rival throughout Unova with reworked gym leaders. Team Plasma returns as the antagonist. The starters remain Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
Pokémon X and Y
Set in the France-inspired region of Kalos, Pokémon X and Y offer players a choice of character and multiple rivals. The gym leaders are diverse, and Team Flare is the main antagonist. The starter Pokémon are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.
Sixth Generation
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
These remakes of Ruby and Sapphire let players choose a male or female character, with their rival Wally. Professor Birch helps the players, who face the Hoenn gym leaders and fight Team Aqua or Magma. The starters are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, players can pick a male or female hero and befriend Hau, their rival. Instead of traditional gyms, they take on the trials of the Alola captains and face Team Rainbow Rocket. The starters are Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio.
Seventh Generation
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduce a Britain-inspired region, Galar, with playable characters and rivals like Hop. Players tackle the Galar gym leaders and fight against Team Yell. The starter Pokémon are Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Set in an open-world region inspired by Spain, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet let players pick their avatar and meet their rival Nemona. They explore freely to challenge the "Gym Masters" and battle the antagonistic Team Star. The starters are Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco.
Conclusion
Whether you grew up trading Pokémon cards in the schoolyard or are just now discovering this rich and captivating universe, we hope this article brought back fond childhood memories. From Red and Blue exploring Kanto to the new generation of trainers venturing through Galar or the Spain-inspired region, every character, every rival, and every antagonist adds depth to the Pokémon adventure.
As you continue or begin your journey, remember that every Pokémon and every trainer you meet along the way helps shape the legend you’re writing. Stay curious and ready to take on challenges, as the Pokémon world is vast and filled with surprises waiting to be discovered!