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Player: Nata
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Age: 20
Current Characters: n/a
Character: Steven Stone
Age: 25
Canon: Pokémon (Games)
Canon Point: Alpha Sapphire, post-Delta Episode
Background: at bulbapedia!
Personality:
"Silver-haired pretty boy / dreamboat."
"Enviably unruffled-looking fellow."
"A quite stunning male specimen."
"Rather alluring gentleman."
These phrases are all how NPCs, both male and female, have canonically described Steven Stone. Can you really blame them though? The first thing that comes to mind when you get a look at him is "oh man, another bishounen Pokémon character". And to be honest, that isn't too far from the truth! But just because it's true, that doesn't mean that dashing good looks are Steven's only defining trait. Across Steven's appearances in the Pokémon video game, anime, and manga canon, we get an in-depth look into the character of Hoenn's Champion.
"I like to see Trainers and Pokémon who are trying their best. That's why I like you so much."
Since his first appearance in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Steven has presided in Pokémon canon as one of the strongest Trainers in the series. As Champion of Hoenn's Pokémon League, he oversees countless Trainers on their respective journeys and acts as a figurehead and representation of their ultimate goal - becoming a Pokémon Master. However, Steven notably appreciates Trainers with true passion and love for their Pokémon. To these Trainers (for example, the protagonist), he takes interest in what motivates them, doing everything that he can to help them reach their goals. In fact, Steven is the most generous NPC to date - in the games, he gives the protagonist numerous rare Pokémon and valuable key items to help them on their journey - most notably, the Mega Bracelet and pairing Mega Stone for their starter in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
Even as he and the protagonist are about to face off in the game's final main storyline battle, Steven doesn't find it palatable to talk trash or be overconfident despite his strength and status. Instead, he looks at battles as a learning experience and a sort of wordless dialogue between Trainers - a sentiment that is repeated throughout the series as a whole to emphasize what a battle really means. In this way, Steven is the prominent role-model and mentor to aspiring Trainers - he proves that not only strength and strategy, but bonds with your Pokémon are needed to reach the top.
All that being said, when referring back to his more serious side, Steven does eventually realize that he has a lot more to learn about the world. After the events of the Delta Episode, he begins to realize that there is more out there than what he knows. This proves that despite his previous discomforts with keeping an open mind, he wants to expose himself to everything that the world has to offer. This way, he can learn, become a better person, and live his life the way he wants - to the fullest and without restraint or regret. It's through this desire that he leaves Hoenn on a soul-searching journey, but not without leaving his duties to someone he can trust. Selfish and selfless, all at once - that's Steven.
Abilities: Besides the ability to Mega Evolve his Metagross through the use of his Mega Stickpin, nothing too abnormal. However, it's worth noting that he's quite physically strong - official art depicts him effortlessly lifting an Aron into the air, which canonically weigh in at around 132 lbs / 60 kg.
Alignment: Thras. Considering the numerous near-apocalyptic scenarios that Steven plays a part in stopping over ORAS' plot, it's natural to assume that he's quite brave. However, this bravery comes with uncertainty about his path, future, and what he wants to do, expressed in his wish to leave Hoenn and do some soul-searching post-game.
Other: Steven will be bringing five Pokemon to the game! Details on them can be found here.
Since his first appearance in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Steven has presided in Pokémon canon as one of the strongest Trainers in the series. As Champion of Hoenn's Pokémon League, he oversees countless Trainers on their respective journeys and acts as a figurehead and representation of their ultimate goal - becoming a Pokémon Master. However, Steven notably appreciates Trainers with true passion and love for their Pokémon. To these Trainers (for example, the protagonist), he takes interest in what motivates them, doing everything that he can to help them reach their goals. In fact, Steven is the most generous NPC to date - in the games, he gives the protagonist numerous rare Pokémon and valuable key items to help them on their journey - most notably, the Mega Bracelet and pairing Mega Stone for their starter in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
Even as he and the protagonist are about to face off in the game's final main storyline battle, Steven doesn't find it palatable to talk trash or be overconfident despite his strength and status. Instead, he looks at battles as a learning experience and a sort of wordless dialogue between Trainers - a sentiment that is repeated throughout the series as a whole to emphasize what a battle really means. In this way, Steven is the prominent role-model and mentor to aspiring Trainers - he proves that not only strength and strategy, but bonds with your Pokémon are needed to reach the top.
"If that team obtains the power of the super-ancient Pokémon, it will upset the balance of nature in this world. A crisis unlike any other before it will befall every living thing on this planet. I plan to do everything in my power to quell this situation. That is my duty."
In all of his appearances, Steven has tended to take a supporting role in the journey of the protagonist. However, that isn't to say that his role is a passive one - in fact, that's quite the opposite. In video game canon, Steven is actively looking to stop Team Magma/Team Aqua from their plans, but is unable to find a way to do so until the protagonist offers their help. This responsibility even continues into the postgame, where Steven plays a large role in ORAS' Delta Episode subplot. Again, while he isn't able to play the role of an outright hero like the protagonist does, he works hard in finding a solution to the incoming meteorite crisis that threatens not only Hoenn, but the world as a whole. Throughout this entire ordeal, he manages to stay relatively calm - an impressive feat, considering that the fates of millions lay in the balance.
With the immense fortune that he is set to inherit as the sole heir to the Devon Corporation, Steven can very much afford to just stand on the sidelines and let things take their course. However, he chooses to use his influence (and affluence) as a way to help others, taking on the responsibility as Champion to protect those who cannot help themselves - be it a Pokémon in need or an entire region of people. This dedication, if required, can go as far as him putting his own life on the line, as seen in the Pokémon Adventures manga. In this canon, we see Steven die from exhaustion after fulfilling his plan to protect Hoenn from Groudon and Kyogre's rampages. His death is not accidental - he knows that executing his plan will lead to his death, but chooses to do it anyway for the greater good.
With the immense fortune that he is set to inherit as the sole heir to the Devon Corporation, Steven can very much afford to just stand on the sidelines and let things take their course. However, he chooses to use his influence (and affluence) as a way to help others, taking on the responsibility as Champion to protect those who cannot help themselves - be it a Pokémon in need or an entire region of people. This dedication, if required, can go as far as him putting his own life on the line, as seen in the Pokémon Adventures manga. In this canon, we see Steven die from exhaustion after fulfilling his plan to protect Hoenn from Groudon and Kyogre's rampages. His death is not accidental - he knows that executing his plan will lead to his death, but chooses to do it anyway for the greater good.
However, this willingness to assist doesn't always equate to being a good thing. As is natural with being born with a silver spoon in your mouth, it's difficult to budge Steven on his ideals. While this usually isn't a problem considering his positive moral alignment, it's taken into question when he interacts with Zinnia in ORAS' Delta Episode. When she brings up the idea that his method of saving the world from the meteor is wrong, he appears visibly annoyed in his dialogue. It is difficult for Steven to have blind faith - in order for him to trust someone or their actions, he must have decisive, concrete proof. This may be a "safe" way of problem solving, but in a tight spot, it can leave him at a loss for what to do next.
It's also been seen that Steven, despite his attempts to seem otherwise, is quite impatient with others. This is seen in both the games and the anime - in the Delta Episode, it's clear from his facial expressions and irritated outbursts that he has no time for his father's playful attitude when he's trying to be serious. In the Strongest Mega Evolution anime special, he is quick to grow impatient with Alain's recklessness in taking on both Groudon and Kyogre on his own. If you want to get under Steven's skin, all you need to be is overly laid-back or audacious.
It's also been seen that Steven, despite his attempts to seem otherwise, is quite impatient with others. This is seen in both the games and the anime - in the Delta Episode, it's clear from his facial expressions and irritated outbursts that he has no time for his father's playful attitude when he's trying to be serious. In the Strongest Mega Evolution anime special, he is quick to grow impatient with Alain's recklessness in taking on both Groudon and Kyogre on his own. If you want to get under Steven's skin, all you need to be is overly laid-back or audacious.
"When it comes down to it, I'm just the strongest there is right now."
Another important aspect of Steven's personality is that he is incredibly competitive. Such a trait comes naturally for someone who has the strength to become Champion of the Pokémon League - in order to win and maintain the position, one must be ruthless and strategical on the battlefield. In the main storyline's final battle against him, Steven holds back nothing in his battle against the protagonist - not only is he battling to keep his title, but he also wants to measure just how much the player has grown alongside their Pokémon by coming at them with everything he has.
But as you may expect, knowledge of one's strength can easily seep into arrogance - Steven's behaviour is no different. This is seen both in the games, but also in the aforementioned Mega Evolution specials. Upon arriving in Kalos to help deal with the crisis that Team Flare unleashes onto the region, he not only takes on a group of grunts led by a Flare Admin, but taunts them by stating that he'll show them "who's the strongest and most amazing one" there. He later deals with another group of grunts by having Metagross effortlessly levitate them in the air with its telekinesis, showing a clear disdain for those that he believes to be morally wrong, and no hesitation in showing his strength.
But as you may expect, knowledge of one's strength can easily seep into arrogance - Steven's behaviour is no different. This is seen both in the games, but also in the aforementioned Mega Evolution specials. Upon arriving in Kalos to help deal with the crisis that Team Flare unleashes onto the region, he not only takes on a group of grunts led by a Flare Admin, but taunts them by stating that he'll show them "who's the strongest and most amazing one" there. He later deals with another group of grunts by having Metagross effortlessly levitate them in the air with its telekinesis, showing a clear disdain for those that he believes to be morally wrong, and no hesitation in showing his strength.
"Do you, uh...maybe think of me as just a rock maniac? No, that can't be right. "
But let's dig a little deeper. All of the above rambling that I've gone through does a good job of outlining Steven as to how he appears professionally, but there are two sides to every coin. While it's true that Steven's talents lie in battling, his passions lie in his hobbies - namely, collecting rare stones. In the generations following his debut in Ruby and Sapphire, there has been a NPC from all subsequent games that make reference to a mysterious "wandering stone collector" that comes and goes as he pleases as he looks for rare specimens. He makes no effort to hide his enthusiasm for his hobby - his home in Mossdeep City has little decor in it aside from many display cases containing rare mineral specimens, all clearly labelled and classified. His first reaction to Latios and Latias' beauty is to compare them to a Dawn Stone and Sun Stone respectively, and despite being a Steel-type specialist, his competitive teams always feature equal numbers (or more!) of Rock-type Pokémon.
This quirky behaviour doesn't go unnoticed - Roxanne, ORAS' Rock-type gym leader and friend of Steven, goes on to explain that Steven is known for his serious expression, but "gets animated" and "shows an unexpected charming side" when it comes to his passions. In short, once you get him talking, Steven is simply a nerd at heart.
This quirky behaviour doesn't go unnoticed - Roxanne, ORAS' Rock-type gym leader and friend of Steven, goes on to explain that Steven is known for his serious expression, but "gets animated" and "shows an unexpected charming side" when it comes to his passions. In short, once you get him talking, Steven is simply a nerd at heart.
"I was just thinking how much more there is to learn about nature…about Pokémon… and about my fellow humans as well. If I am to keep living in this, huge wide world. I want to walk this world on my own two feet. To see it with my own eyes. To feel it on my very skin… I need to put into practice all of the advice I ever gave to May. That's what I'm thinking now."
Abilities: Besides the ability to Mega Evolve his Metagross through the use of his Mega Stickpin, nothing too abnormal. However, it's worth noting that he's quite physically strong - official art depicts him effortlessly lifting an Aron into the air, which canonically weigh in at around 132 lbs / 60 kg.
Alignment: Thras. Considering the numerous near-apocalyptic scenarios that Steven plays a part in stopping over ORAS' plot, it's natural to assume that he's quite brave. However, this bravery comes with uncertainty about his path, future, and what he wants to do, expressed in his wish to leave Hoenn and do some soul-searching post-game.
Other: Steven will be bringing five Pokemon to the game! Details on them can be found here.