May

May can be chosen as the protagonist. Otherwise she is Birch’s child and an important research-minded rival, meeting the player during the Hoenn journey.

• Story: Her route meetings introduce a recurring opponent before the story expands into the conflict between Aqua, Magma and the legendary Pokémon. The player-controlled version follows the complete badge and League campaign.
• In the game: Her rival starter is selected in response to yours. Prepare for the broader party rather than only the opening type matchup, and remember that Emerald’s physical and special damage categories are determined by type.

Story spoilers.

Pokémon Emerald · Game Boy Advance · 2004 · Original Game Boy Advance release; not Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. · Picture: May: Pokémon Emerald original-era artwork.