It’s been over a decade, but people still argue about the Unova sequels. Honestly, the way Pokemon Black and White 2 characters were handled remains some of the best writing Game Freak has ever put on a cartridge. You’ve got a direct sequel—something the series rarely does—which means we get to see these people actually grow up. They aren't just static sprites anymore.
Characters you remember as nervous kids in the first game are suddenly Gym Leaders or researchers. It feels lived-in.
The Hugh Problem: Why the Rival Matters
Everyone calls Hugh "the angry guy."
Basically, they’re right. But his rage isn’t for the sake of being a jerk like Blue or Silver. It’s personal. His sister’s Purrloin was stolen by Team Plasma years ago, and he’s been carrying that weight ever since. You see him throughout the game, and he’s constantly pushing you to be better, not because he hates you, but because he needs an ally strong enough to help him take down a criminal empire.
He’s supportive. It’s weird for a rival. Usually, they’re trying to put you in the dirt. Hugh just wants his sister to smile again.
Cheren and Bianca: Two Years of Growth
If you played the original Black and White, seeing Cheren as the first Gym Leader in Aspertia City is a trip.
He’s matured. Gone is the kid who obsessed over "strength" without knowing what it meant. Now, he’s wearing a tie and mentoring new trainers. It’s a subtle flex from the developers. They show, they don't just tell.
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Bianca is the same way. She was always the "failure" of the original trio, at least in her own head. Now? She’s Professor Juniper’s assistant. She’s confident. She wears those massive glasses and actually knows her stuff. Seeing her hand you your starter Pokémon in the beginning of the game is a "full circle" moment that hits way harder than it should for a handheld RPG.
Colress: The Man in the Middle
Colress is easily the most fascinating addition to the Pokemon Black and White 2 characters roster.
Is he a villain? Sorta. He works for Team Plasma, but he doesn't care about Ghetsis or world domination. He’s a scientist. He just wants to know what brings out the "true power" of a Pokémon. If that means joining a terrorist group to get funding and technology, he’s fine with it.
His theme music is a banger, too.
You’ll run into him all over Unova. He’s always testing you. He isn't trying to stop you; he’s observing you. He represents a gray area that Pokémon rarely explores. He doesn't hate you. He doesn't even necessarily disagree with you. He’s just curious.
- Motivation: Pure scientific inquiry.
- Affiliation: Neo Team Plasma (Contractor).
- Legacy: Eventually realizes that the "bond" between trainer and Pokémon is the actual source of power.
The Return of N and Ghetsis
Ghetsis is a monster. No other way to put it.
In the first game, he was manipulative. In the sequel, he’s just unhinged. He tries to freeze an entire city. He literally tries to kill the player character. That’s a massive step up from the usual "I'll take over the world with my weird team" vibe.
Then there’s N.
N is the heart of the Unova story. Seeing him return with his legendary dragon to save you at the Giant Chasm is one of the most cinematic moments in the series. He’s no longer the "King" of Team Plasma. He’s a wanderer. He’s finally found his own truth, and it involves helping the player stop his father’s madness.
Iris as the Champion
A lot of people were mad that Alder was replaced.
But Iris as Champion makes sense. She was a prodigy. In the two years between games, she worked her way up and traded her "jungle girl" aesthetic for a literal princess gown. Her battle is notoriously difficult, especially on Challenge Mode. That Haxorus isn't playing games.
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Her team is diverse, her music is upbeat, and she brings a sense of joy to the title that Alder’s more somber retirement lacked.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Playthrough
If you're jumping back into Unova, pay attention to the dialogue in the Memory Link events. These are special cutscenes that unlock if you sync your save from the original game. They fill in the gaps for these Pokemon Black and White 2 characters and explain exactly what happened during those two "missing" years.
- Check the Memory Link: It explains why Cheren became a Gym Leader.
- Talk to NPCs: Many former Team Plasma members have unique dialogue about N.
- Visit Nuvema Town: Seeing the original protagonists' house adds a lot of weight to the story.
To get the most out of the experience, try to find a copy with the Memory Link already enabled. It transforms the game from a standard sequel into a genuine continuation of a single, massive story. Look for save files online or use two DS systems to link your own copies before you get too far into the plot.