TV-Series
Description
Gladion is the older brother of Lillie and a main rival to Ash during his time in the Alola region. His life was profoundly shaped by a childhood incident at the Aether Paradise, where he witnessed his younger sister Lillie being attacked by the Ultra Beast Nihilego. Although Lillie was rescued by a Pokémon known as Type: Null, Gladion was frozen in fear and unable to act, an event that left a deep emotional scar and a vow to grow stronger so he could protect her. Following this, believing his mother Lusamine was aware of the incident and the creation of Type: Null, Gladion distanced himself from his family. He ultimately took Type: Null with him, rescuing the Pokémon from mistreatment by the Aether Foundation scientist Faba, and embarked on a solitary journey to gain strength.
On the surface, Gladion presents a serious, calm, and often cold demeanor, appearing as a reserved loner who is ruthless in battle. This exterior, however, masks a deeply caring individual, particularly when it comes to his family and his Pokémon. He harbors a strong distrust and hatred for Ultra Beasts, believing they do not belong in the world, and for a time was convinced they should all be defeated. This grudge initially causes him to be wary of Nebby, a Cosmog in Ash and Lillie's care, and other Ultra Beasts he encounters. Despite his distant nature, he has a strong moral code, shown when he stands up to Faba and even scolds his mother for being so absorbed in her Ultra Beast research that she failed to notice her children's suffering. His temper can flare, however, especially when his sister is put in danger, leading him to harshly criticize Ash for perceived negligence that causes Lillie's past trauma to resurface.
Gladion's primary motivation throughout the series is protection. He swore to defeat every last Ultra Beast to ensure Lillie would never be harmed again. This goal drives him to become a powerful trainer, to keep Silvally hidden from the public, and to initially reject family ties. However, his motivations evolve as the story progresses. After working with Ash and his friends to rescue Lusamine from Nihilego, he begins to overcome his grudge against Ultra Beasts. He develops a new determination to find his missing father, Mohn, eventually reconnecting with a Zoroark that was once his father's partner. His role in the story shifts from a solitary, wandering rival to a key ally, joining the Ultra Guardians to combat greater threats like Necrozma.
Gladion's most important relationships are with his sister, his mother, and his rival, Ash. His bond with Lillie is the core of his character; his distance is a misguided attempt to shield her, and he is fiercely protective of her. His relationship with Lusamine is strained, but he reconciles with her after helping to free her from Nihilego. With Ash, he shares a deep mutual respect. What begins as a curiosity-driven battle request evolves into a strong rivalry, and later a solid friendship built on trust and shared battles against common enemies. Gladion places immense trust in his own Pokémon, often allowing them to roam freely and comforting them in times of distress. His team includes a Lycanroc (Midnight Form) as his main battling partner, an Umbreon that evolved from the injured Eevee he rescued as a child, and the powerful Silvally, an artificial Pokémon he affectionately nicknamed and which he works to free from its restraining helmet. He later also gains a Zoroark.
Throughout the Sun & Moon series, Gladion undergoes significant development. Initially isolated and driven solely by a need for strength and vengeance against Ultra Beasts, he gradually re-integrates with his family and learns to trust others. A pivotal moment is when Silvally evolves from Type: Null to protect Lillie, and with her regained memories, Lillie is finally able to overcome her trauma. Gladion lets go of much of his anger, smiles more often, and becomes a more open and cooperative individual, even participating in complex plans to save Alola. As a testament to his growth, he later decides to formally take on the island challenge, following in the footsteps of his rival. He is a highly capable trainer, known for his strategic use of Z-Moves such as Continental Crush with his Lycanroc. His true strength lies in his bond with Silvally, which can change its type using various memories, making it a versatile weapon against different foes.
On the surface, Gladion presents a serious, calm, and often cold demeanor, appearing as a reserved loner who is ruthless in battle. This exterior, however, masks a deeply caring individual, particularly when it comes to his family and his Pokémon. He harbors a strong distrust and hatred for Ultra Beasts, believing they do not belong in the world, and for a time was convinced they should all be defeated. This grudge initially causes him to be wary of Nebby, a Cosmog in Ash and Lillie's care, and other Ultra Beasts he encounters. Despite his distant nature, he has a strong moral code, shown when he stands up to Faba and even scolds his mother for being so absorbed in her Ultra Beast research that she failed to notice her children's suffering. His temper can flare, however, especially when his sister is put in danger, leading him to harshly criticize Ash for perceived negligence that causes Lillie's past trauma to resurface.
Gladion's primary motivation throughout the series is protection. He swore to defeat every last Ultra Beast to ensure Lillie would never be harmed again. This goal drives him to become a powerful trainer, to keep Silvally hidden from the public, and to initially reject family ties. However, his motivations evolve as the story progresses. After working with Ash and his friends to rescue Lusamine from Nihilego, he begins to overcome his grudge against Ultra Beasts. He develops a new determination to find his missing father, Mohn, eventually reconnecting with a Zoroark that was once his father's partner. His role in the story shifts from a solitary, wandering rival to a key ally, joining the Ultra Guardians to combat greater threats like Necrozma.
Gladion's most important relationships are with his sister, his mother, and his rival, Ash. His bond with Lillie is the core of his character; his distance is a misguided attempt to shield her, and he is fiercely protective of her. His relationship with Lusamine is strained, but he reconciles with her after helping to free her from Nihilego. With Ash, he shares a deep mutual respect. What begins as a curiosity-driven battle request evolves into a strong rivalry, and later a solid friendship built on trust and shared battles against common enemies. Gladion places immense trust in his own Pokémon, often allowing them to roam freely and comforting them in times of distress. His team includes a Lycanroc (Midnight Form) as his main battling partner, an Umbreon that evolved from the injured Eevee he rescued as a child, and the powerful Silvally, an artificial Pokémon he affectionately nicknamed and which he works to free from its restraining helmet. He later also gains a Zoroark.
Throughout the Sun & Moon series, Gladion undergoes significant development. Initially isolated and driven solely by a need for strength and vengeance against Ultra Beasts, he gradually re-integrates with his family and learns to trust others. A pivotal moment is when Silvally evolves from Type: Null to protect Lillie, and with her regained memories, Lillie is finally able to overcome her trauma. Gladion lets go of much of his anger, smiles more often, and becomes a more open and cooperative individual, even participating in complex plans to save Alola. As a testament to his growth, he later decides to formally take on the island challenge, following in the footsteps of his rival. He is a highly capable trainer, known for his strategic use of Z-Moves such as Continental Crush with his Lycanroc. His true strength lies in his bond with Silvally, which can change its type using various memories, making it a versatile weapon against different foes.