Gengar, a Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon, began as a human cursed by Ninetales after touching one of its tails. His partner Gardevoir intercepted the curse, sacrificing herself to spiritual imprisonment while he fled. Reincarnated over a millennium later without a physical form, he retained fragmented ties to Gardevoir’s trapped spirit.

Leading the self-serving Team Meanies with Ekans and Medicham, Gengar prioritizes sabotage over genuine rescue efforts. In an anime special, he hoards supplies and traps Pichu in a cave during a mission to rescue Pikachu, only to be defeated by Skarmory. Reluctantly, he accepts an Oran Berry from rivals Team Go-Getters after Squirtle advocates unity, hinting at buried camaraderie.

Game narratives depict Gengar’s descent into treachery: he frames the player for natural disasters, causing their exile. Exposed, he invades their dreams to expose their human origins but is thwarted by Gardevoir’s intervention. Her forgiveness sparks remorse, driving him to covertly aid the player. He assists in crafting the Teleport Gem for Sky Tower and later guides their spirit back to their body post-explosion, balancing penance with secrecy.

Seeking redemption, Gengar consults Ninetales to undo Gardevoir’s curse. Confronting his past cowardice in Murky Cave, he admits abandoning her and acknowledges her forgiveness, breaking the curse. Though Gardevoir regains her form, her memories of their bond vanish. Gengar accepts this, grateful for her freedom, and departs after gifting the player a Mobile Scarf.

The manga adaptation mirrors his deceitful streak, omitting Team Meanies. He manipulates legendary Pokémon to attack protagonists until defeated. Across all media, Gengar embodies moral ambiguity—a manipulative antagonist tempered by vulnerability and guilt-driven redemption, forever haunted by Gardevoir’s sacrifice.