The unique characters are an often underappreciated part of Pokémon games. There’s always something to love with the colorful cast of gym leaders and rivals each game delivers. Some casts are weaker than others, like with Pokémon X&Y, but most of the recent titles have done a good job fleshing out its cast and making them all integral parts of the world.
In particular, Sword and Shield did an excellent job with its characters and making them memorable. The gameplay itself may have (arguably) suffered, but at least the writers managed to get more of the narrative aspect right. And, of course, all these distinct personalities correspond with the personalty traits of the 12 Zodiac signs. This list will serve to talk about these characters and how they would resonate with the most.
12 Aries: Gloria
Gloria and Victor, in canon, are the same character. As the other does not appear in the narrative, it’s hard to judge their individual personalities based on lore. They’re self-inserts, for better or for worse.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of fan interpretations that honestly overpower anything Game Freak could deliver. Gloria, especially, adopted an aggressive attitude and a Scottish accent within hours of their designs being revealed. Because of all of the incredible fanart, it’s hard to imagine Gloria as anything but an Aries.
11 Taurus: Melony
Melony, the ice-type gym leader, is the mother of Gordie and an exclusive gym leader to Shield version. This is a tragedy for all the Sword fans, as Melony is the better character. Melony is kind, patient, motherly, and has a big heart. She’s hardly the cold-hearted ice-type trainer on the surface.
However, her kindness and generosity is just one facet of her. In battle, she’s unrelenting and stoic. She will never back down from battle, and will deliver punishment and go for critical strikes. The uncompromising style of battle combined with her kind exterior makes her resonate with the Taurus.
10 Gemini: Sonia
Technically, the Sonia in the game isn’t a trainer. However, she competed against Leon during her own Gym Challenge, and the two are good friends. Sonia is affectionate and expressive, looking to prove herself and her research abilities to her grandmother, Magnolia.
Sonia is a bit more air-headed than other professors, though. She’s quick to make conclusions, but she’s also quick to get distracted by wrong conclusions. She’s a very talkative and excitable person, even though she does get serious with her research. Sonia absolutely has a Gemini attitude.
9 Cancer: Chairman Rose
Rose, the owner of Marco Cosmos and the head of Galar’s gym challenge, is a dynamic character. He isn’t evil in the malicious sense, like villains like Cyrus. Instead, Rose cares deeply about his people, his loved ones, and his country. He wants to help them in any way he can.
However, this does lead Rose to the conclusion that ends up bringing Galar to the brink of disaster. He’s clearly suspect in his actions, and he’s willing to manipulate Bede to achieve his ends. At the end, though, he cares enough about his country to actually turn himself in for his crimes. Rose’s character and his flaws paint him as a Cancer.
8 Leo: Leon
So, this one may look like a joke response, but there is a reason for this. Leon, the champion of the Galar League, is a competitor by nature. He loves to be stylish for the camera, deliver thrilling battles, and strives to be the best.
In his defeat, Leon still likes to have the center stage. He takes over Rose’s efforts in Wyndon with the Battle Tower and still holds a lot of sway with fans. He also has trouble facing the true villainous nature of Rose, assuming the best of him. These dynamics end up, coincidentally, making Leon a perfect fit for a Leo.
7 Virgo: Marnie
Marnie has a legion of adoring fans, but doesn’t really need them to succeed. She’s much more reserved than either of the other two rivals, even though she is a great friend to the protagonist. She’s absolutely a kind soul, even if she has trouble expressing it.
Marnie joins the Gym Challenge so that she can prove her worth and replace her brother, assuming she can’t become champion. She’s critical of his behavior and the behavior of her hardcore fans, Team Yell. She’s willing to put in whatever it takes to win all on her own. These sorts of traits make her as powerful and kind as the Virgo.
6 Libra: Bea
Bea, predictably, became a fan-favorite gym leader long before the game even released. The fighting-type leader is dead serious and balanced in her battle style. She works with others and her partners, staying in sync with them. Although she doesn’t show emotion outwardly, she mostly just doesn’t want to disappoint fans.
Bea is a strong trainer, but she also doesn’t necessarily start confrontations. She dislikes unnecessary violence against other. She’s also often seen training outdoors on the Isle of Armor, appearing in a few different locations. The emotionally balanced Bea could fit with the Libra.
5 Scorpio: Bede
Bede is the newest interpretation of the classic style of “mean rival.” He’s arrogant, cocky, and already believes himself to be the best. Bede considers any decision he makes to be the right decision, even if it ends up backfiring against him.
However, Bede is more than just an arrogant jerk. He’s deeply troubled and has a hard time trusting people, himself included. Although he’s outwardly rude towards the protagonist, the deep respect Bede has for them is there. Bede is truly passionate and assertive, like the Scorpio.
4 Sagittarius: Hop
Hop, the friend-rival of Sword and Shield, is more dynamic than other friend-rivals of the past. He’s proud of his rival’s strength, but is confused about why he can’t deliver. He’s honest and idealistic, but he often can’t deliver on the goals he sets for himself.
During the journey, Hop is constantly adapting his strategy, trying new things to win. He’s also willing to stand up for himself and his friends, getting angry with Bede’s aloof arrogance. Hop is a dynamic rival who hates to lose, but still loves his friend in the end. Hop’s attitude gives him the energy of the Sagittarius.
3 Capricorn: Oleana
Oleana, the vice-president of Marco Cosmos, is the perfect foil for Chairman Rose. Their personalities compliment each other perfectly. Oleana is very serious and disciplined, but also condescending at times towards the Gym challengers and even Rose himself. She’s incredibly smart as well, being one of the researchers who developed the Dynamax Band.
Oleana is devoted to Chairman Rose, at least in a business sense. She’s shown to be hiding a lot of emotions and general hatred of specific types of people later on in the game. At the end of the day, though, she just wants to help Rose be his best. If Rose has the energy of a Cancer sign, his assistant would fit well as the Capricorn.
2 Aquarius: Piers
Piers, the dark-type gym leader, is a bit disconnected from the world. He loves to make music and cares deeply about his city, Spikemuth. However, he’s independent from others, including the traditions of Galar. He refuses to Dynamax out of principle since his town can’t afford a big stadium.
Piers also dislikes situations getting boring, finding himself wrapped up in troubles involving Marco Cosmos and Sordward and Shielbert. He may say he’d rather be at home making music, but he deeply does care to help people. He also cares deeply for his sister. Piers has his head in the clouds like an Aquarius.
1 Pisces: Nessa
Nessa representing a water sign isn’t just because she’s a water-type gym leader. Instead, she does have a few traits of the Pisces. She’s a compassionate gym leader, motivated to be the best. However, she does resent her inability to win in later tournaments, and she’s very animated about losing.
Nessa is also a model, a big fan of creating art in a photographic sense. She’s a romantic as well, or at least could be interpreted as one. And, well, she does enjoy being near the water. Nessa isn’t a spot-on Pisces, but it seems to be a dominant part of her personality.
NEXT: Which Mythical Pokémon Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign
