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Pokémon Emerald / Protagonist or rival researcher

Brendan

Protagonist or rival researcher · Littleroot Town

Story spoilers: This profile discusses character history and events in the game.

Brendan is featured in Pokémon Emerald — Protagonist or rival researcher. This profile covers their background, appearance, personality, story role and practical gameplay details.

Edition covered

Original Game Boy Advance release; not Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire.

Biography

Brendan is either the player or Professor Birch’s child, depending on the chosen protagonist. In the latter role he combines field research with friendly battles against the player.

Appearance

Brendan’s hat, athletic outfit and backpack suit Hoenn’s outdoor route network. The white shape on his head is his hat, a common source of visual confusion.

Personality

The player version is open to interpretation; the rival version is encouraging and curious. He is a different kind of rival from Wally, whose growth follows a more personal overcoming-difficulty arc.

Role in the story

His rival meetings punctuate the early and middle route through Hoenn. The playable version instead pursues badges, confronts both villainous teams and enters the League.

Gameplay and encounters

The rival’s starter responds to the player’s selection. For a playable Brendan, team-building options are not restricted by character identity; use Hoenn’s varied habitats to cover your starter’s weaknesses.