Protagonists

The player can choose to play as one of two characters— Gwen, a feminine character who uses she/her pronouns, or Rhydian, a masculine character who uses he/him pronouns. The names and appearances of these characters can be customised.

The player character was born and grew up in Anadl Port. At the beginning of the game's story, having just finished school, they hear that the new professor for the Hafod region has moved in from Kalos and set off to begin their mission to become a Pokémon trainer. 

They are a silent protagonist but exhibit character traits such as bravery, loyalty and justice. They are defined by their connections with the people of Hafod—  their friendship with their childhood friend Dylan, their new kinship with Professor Daphne, as well with the numerous connections they make with the people they meet along their journey. 

Name origin 

Gwen

Japanese: ユリ Yuri meaning lily

English: Meaning fair or white

Rhydian

Japanese: ボタン Botan meaning peony

English: Meaning red, crimson or ford/crossing