Scarlet and Violet are the latest games to join the ever-growing Pokémon franchise, as it reaches its ninth generation. The games have been met with mixed reviews, but while there have been obvious performances issues, the games have thrived and persevered with their surprising heartfelt emotion and fun gameplay.
Scarlet and Violet have been praised for the designs of the new Pokémon that have been introduced, from the adorable Lechonk and Pawmi to the long-awaited evolution of Primeape, Annihilape. However, the games have not stopped at the Pokémon, as there are also many likable human characters that contribute to this overall fun and enjoyable experience. Whether they are major or minor contributors to the overall story, Gym Leaders or academy affiliates, relatable and likable personalities come in all shapes and sizes in the Paldea region.
Spoilers ahead for the story in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
10 Iono Oozes Streamer Energy & Charisma
Iono is the Electric-type Gym Leader found in Levincia, and is one of several Gen IX Gym Leaders to have a unique gimmick. However, Iono stands out as a streamer, with it majorly influencing every interaction with her, especially her Gym Test.
Iono's energy and charisma shines through as Paldea's top influencer, and this generates an extra layer of hype for her Gym Battles. From the personality and character design to the level of player interaction and even the use of an Electric Tera Mismagius, Iono is easily one of the more memorable Gen IX Gym Leaders in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
9 Eri Brings The Fighting Spirit & Passion To Team Star
Team Star are ultimately revealed to not be the typical bad guys that every previous generation has had, as they were ultimately victims of bullying and a school failing to deal with it. Upon defeating each squad boss, the player learns more about each of them, and how they aren't all that bad.
However, with Eri, the strong Fighting-type specialist shows off her personality before the player even enters Caph Squad base. Eri is a former pro-wrestler, but used her experience to teach Team Star how to defend themselves in Pokémon battles, upon their formation. Eri has always shown her strength as a means to protect those she cares about, and this selfless attitude is infectious. The other Team Star bosses have their likable aspects, but Eri stands out above the rest, other than Penny.
8 Geeta Is The Kind Top Pokémon Champion
Geeta has many titles, from chairwoman of the academy's school board to Top Champion, but she is mostly remembered as the post-Elite Four test, as the Victory Road storyline draws to a close. Also known as La Primera, Geeta runs into the player on multiple occasions throughout the story and always carries herself as a kind yet strong individual.
Geeta graciously gives others the time of day when her busy schedule allows it. She shows no sadness or disappointment in losing to the player, seeing it as more of an honor to encourage and nurture such a talent. Her Champion team may not be as memorable as Cynthia's in Gen IV, but it doesn't make her a worse Champion.
7 Jacq Is The Unsung Hero Of The Paldea Region
Jacq is one of the many teachers introduced at the academy, Scarlet's Naranja or Violet's Uva, and serves as both a biology teacher and the player's homeroom teacher. With the version-specific Pokémon Professors, Sada and Turo for Scarlet and Violet respectively, directing their attention elsewhere, Jacq steps up as Gen IX's developer of the Pokédex app in the Rotom Phone.
Players can easily go through Scarlet and Violet without going back to the academy long enough to enjoy the lessons and interact with the teachers, so not everyone will experience Jacq and his friendly nature. Jacq is an unsung hero of Paldea, and can even be battled in the Academy Ace Tournament.
6 Director Clavell Just Wants The Best For Everyone
Director Clavell, or Clive as he begs the player to call him, is the authoritative figure at whichever academy the player attends, Scarlet's Naranja or Violet's Uva. Clavell gets the player started on their journey, giving them a starter Pokémon and even giving one to Nemona at the same time.
Clavell is a kindhearted man who wants his academy to be the best, while simultaneously working to get the best out of his students. Seeing him process the complexities surrounding the Operation Starfall storyline is intriguing, as it ultimately helps him learn how to be a better director.
5 Penny's Shyness Masks A Truly Talented Individual
Penny is introduced to Scarlet and Violet as the shy and unassuming student at the academy. Interactions with Penny are limited and awkward in the early stages of the game, but she really comes into her own as the Starfall Street storyline nears its end.
Penny is revealed to be Team Star's leader Cassiopeia, but ultimately not as any villain or serious criminal mastermind. After all the explanations are ironed out, Penny comes out of her shell having been reunited with her friends and offered a clean slate. Penny has a full team of "Eeveelutions," which will always earn her bonus points with many Pokémon fans.
4 Rika Is The Backbone Of The Scarlet & Violet Elite Four
Getting to meet Elite Four members at earlier points of a Pokémon game is always a good thing, as giving them an active personality adds more meaning and intensity to the eventual battle. Geeta and the Elite Four Members are all likable in their own ways, but Rika appears as the most relatable and level-headed.
Rika meets the player on multiple occasions, actively rooting for them to become strong enough to take on the Elite Four. Rika gets the Elite Four challenge underway, and is even the one who interviews players before commencing the battling. Rika brings a strong team of Ground-types, but shouldn't pose too much real threat.
3 Arven Has A Kind Heart Underneath All The Emotional Baggage & Turmoil
Arven comes across as rude and unlikable upon his introduction, but as soon as players spend time with him on the Path of Legends, his backstory is explored and his hardened personality justified. Arven has been neglected by his parents, father in Violet and mother in Scarlet, as well as having his best bud Mabostiff seriously injured.
Arven redeems himself thanks to the heart and emotion he shows, with players rooting for him as the story gets to the latter stages. Players simply need to not hold his first impressions against him, and see him for the likable soul he can be.
2 Larry Brings A New Dynamic To Both The Pokémon Gym Circuit & The Elite Four
Larry pulls double duty in the Gen IX games, first as the Normal-type specialist and Medali Gym Leader, and later as the Flying-type Elite Four Member. Many players have singled out Larry as a highlight in terms of the human characters on show in Scarlet and Violet, as his serious brooding personality is relatable and an entertaining dynamic for a Pokémon Trainer to have.
Larry represents those who are worked hard to the bone and have lost a certain appreciation for the things in life, but still puts up an explosive fight in battle. Larry is a unique character in many ways, and whether his likability was intended or not, he is ironically one of the more memorable Gen IX characters.
1 Nemona Brings A Likability To The Obsessive Battling That Neither Hop Nor Barry Could
Nemona is the battle-hungry rival for players of Scarlet and Violet. Her obsession with battling can annoy some people, but she is more likable than previous rivals of a similar intensity like Hop and Barry. Nemona initially agrees to take the player under her wing, with no real obligation to do so, and sticks her neck out for this new friendship.
Nemona's enthusiasm rubs off on the player, and generates an element of excitement for these frequent rival battles and encounters. In fact, the battle with Nemona after defeating the Elite Four generates a surprising level of emotion, as Nemona expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the player.