Johto's Trainer, rival, professors and Gym Leaders
Meet the original Gold/Silver cast with era artwork and a practical guide to their roles in Johto.
Original Gold and Silver cartridges: Japan in 1999, Australia and North America in 2000, Europe in 2001. These releases run on Game Boy with enhanced color on Game Boy Color; the Korean editions require Game Boy Color. Crystal and the DS HeartGold/SoulSilver remakes have different events and encounters. The 3DS Virtual Console releases change the link method to local wireless.
5 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Character directory
Ethan
The original male player character is now known as Ethan, though Gold/Silver lets you choose his name. He receives a first partner from Elm and pursues the Johto badges.
Silver
The rival takes a Pokémon from Elm's laboratory and repeatedly challenges the player. His first partner has a type advantage over the one you choose.
Professor Elm
Elm provides Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile for the opening errand. The mysterious Egg becomes an early subject of his research.
Whitney
Whitney's Normal-type Gym awards the Plain Badge. Her Miltank encourages preparation for sustained attacks and recovery, rather than a single strong opening hit.
Lance
Lance helps investigate the trouble near the Lake of Rage. He later waits at the end of the Pokémon League as Champion.
Quick notes
- The player and the rival. The player character's later established name is Ethan; the original game lets you enter your own name.
- Elm, Oak and the first partners. Elm studies Pokémon and Eggs in New Bark Town, while Oak introduces the Pokédex during the opening trip.
- Johto's challenges and returning allies. The Johto Leaders are Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney, Morty, Chuck, Jasmine, Pryce and Clair.
The original portraits and clothing differ from HeartGold/SoulSilver. Use the captions to distinguish the Gold/Silver artwork from the later redesigns.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.