Cheren is a childhood friend of the player who, like the player, lives in the starting town of Nuvema Town. While he holds a greater knowledge in Pokémon than his friends and tends to offer the player advice during the course of their journey, his comments are often witty and intellectual. He also misunderstands Bianca's humor often, to her dismay. Whilst Professor Juniper describes him as being very honest, she also remarks that he can be 'a little difficult'; his impatience in particular is often seen throughout the earlier stages of his journey. He is also described as being quite judgmental by Alder.
In keeping with the theme of truth and ideals often seen in Black and White, Cheren represents those who pursue ideals—more precisely, as N pointed out in Chargestone Cave, the ideal of strength. His goal is to become the Champion and he always strives to become stronger, yet the first time that Alder asked him why he strives to become stronger, he was quite unsure of his reasons. He then starts to ponder to himself how to do so—something that Alder said he used to do with his partner Pokémon as well—and what exactly it means to be strong. Alder also remarked that Cheren is a lot like Marshal.
Like the player and Bianca, Cheren receives a starter Pokémon as a gift from Professor Juniper at the start of the game. He always chooses the starter with a type advantage over the player's starter. The player will encounter and battle him several times throughout the game. After the main storyline, Cheren can be found on Route 5. After talking to him there, he moves to Victory Road where he can be battled once a day.
In Black 2 and White 2, Cheren is the new Normal-typeGym Leader in Aspertia City, the player's hometown. He gives away the Basic Badge, replacing Lenora. Trainers who defeat Cheren will receive the Basic Badge, along with TM83 (Work Up). Outside of battle, Cheren works as a teacher at the Aspertia Trainer School, with one of his pupils being Lass Serena in the Aspertia Gym, according to her.
Cheren appears numerous times throughout the game, such as in Driftveil and Opelucid City, as well as Route 21. He gives the player and Hugh advice and guidance on the current situation, such as the freezing of Opelucid City, where Drayden learns of Cheren's ascension to the position of Aspertia Gym Leader.
"Bianca… I've known for ten years that you have no sense of time, but…seriously… Today's the day we can get a Pokémon from Professor Juniper!"'
"Naturally. The Pokémon are waiting for us inside that gift box. OK, <player>, you go first and take a peek at the gift box. I want to meet the Pokémon right now!"
If talked to before choosing starter
"Would you get a move on and open the gift box already? I'm sure the Pokémon are just as excited to meet us!"
After choosing the starter
"Hey, how come you get to pick out my Pokémon? Oh, never mind. I wanted this one from the start, anyway."
"Honestly, Bianca… Even though they're still weak Pokémon, you shouldn't have Pokémon battles inside a house."
After battling Bianca
"Uh… … Bianca, would you take a look around?"
"You…are completely hopeless. Here! I'll restore your Pokémon for you. <player>'s Pokémon needs to be fixed up, too."
"I believe you're right! It'll be no problem for me to keep the room from getting any messier. Besides, it's not fair if you two are the only ones who get to have fun battling!"'
"It's decided. You'll be my opponent… in our first Pokémon battle!"'
After the first damaging, non-KO hit
"I've finally become a Trainer… Everything starts from here!"
Being defeated
"Ah! So that's a Pokémon battle!"
After being defeated
"I made a strange blunder in my first battle, but this feeling I have… ...I'm finally a Trainer. But first, we'd better go apologize to your mother about this messed-up room."
After winning
"This feeling… Finally, I'm a Trainer. On top of that, we'd better go apologize to your mother about this room."
Downstairs
"I'm very sorry about all the trouble, ma'am."
"Yes, thank you! Please excuse us. Come on. Let's go thank Professor Juniper. I'll be waiting in front of the Pokémon Research Lab."
Near lab, before visiting Bianca
"I'm sorry, but could you go to Bianca's house? I'll bet she's spacing out like she usually does. She's totally flighty."
"Professor Juniper, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
After the catching demonstration
"She forgot to say Pokémon jump out at you in the tall grass. I'm heading to Accumula Town, too."
"But we need to get going! I'd imagine the Professor's waiting too."
"Huh. Actually, that sounds interesting. It will fill up Pokédex pages, so I'm sure it will please the Professor too. OK, then. Until we reach Accumula Town, take care of healing your Pokémon at your house."
Outside Accumula Town
"<player>, are you going to compare yourself with Bianca? Both Bianca and I have two Pokémon with us."*
"Incidentally, if you check your Pokédex, you'll see how many Pokémon you've found and how many you've caught. I'm off to Accumula Town! The Professor is waiting."
"Slow down. You talk too fast. And what's this about Pokémon… talking? That's an odd thing to say."
"My name is Cheren, and this is <player>. We were asked to complete the Pokédex, and we just left on our journey. My main goal is to become the Champion, though."
"Huh… Strange guy. But I'm not going to worry about it. Trainers and Pokémon help each other out! Listen, I'm going on ahead. I want to battle the Gym leader in the next town—Striaton City. Aim to battle Gym Leader after Gym Leader. The best way for a trainer to become stronger is to challenge the gym leaders in each area."
"When a Pokémon is poisoned, its HP decreases while it is battling. Hey, <player>. Have you come looking for the Gym Leader?"
No: "Nothing improves your skill as a trainer like battles. That's why challenging the Gym Leaders is great practice."
Yes: "He was here talking about Pokémon types until just a few minutes ago… Maybe you walked right past him?"
"By the way, <player> will you have a battle with me? I want to test how important items are in battles."
No: "Really? I really want to try out my items, so I'll just wait here until you decide you're ready."
Yes: "Well, let's see how effective my items are… Or maybe I should test how well I can battle without items…? Anyway, this is an indoor match, so let's battle without getting too rough!"
"It's important to choose which item your Pokémon holds…"
Being defeated
"I see! Losing to you means that I still have a lot to learn."
After being defeated
"So learning to use items well is definitely important, then. Oh, here. <player> I'll give you these Berries."
"If you give a Pokémon this kind of Berry to hold, it will eat it to heal up when its HP goes down in battle. But if you give it man-made items like Potions to hold, they can't use them. Well, good luck then."
"Not bad, <player>. OK, go return the Pokémon to that girl."
"So, there were more of them… Still, why are Pokémon robbers acting so self-righteous? <Player>! We've been friends our whole lives. We've got each other's back when it counts. Let's show them how it's done!"
"Whatever… What a waste of time. Come on, what reason could possibly justify stealing Pokémon from people?"
"What do you mean, Trainers are making Pokémon suffer? I don't get that at all!"
""Trainer's bring out their Pokémon's strength. Pokémon believe in their Trainer's and respond to that. I don't understand what about that makes Pokémon suffer! OK, <player>. I'll return the Pokémon."
Southern Route 3
"<player> Stop! The dark tall grass over there… Every now and again, two Pokémon will pop out at the same time. In other words, you have to be careful in the darker grass. I'm heading to Nacrene City."
"If you go straight from here, there's a Pokémon Center. And… take these if you want."
"Give your Pokémon a Chesto Berry to hold. Then, if it ever falls asleep, it will wake up immediately. Oh and another piece of advice—Nacrene City's Gym Leader uses Normal types. It you have a Fighting-type Pokémon, it might give you a big advantage."
"Hey, <player>. I just challenged the Gym Leader Burgh. He's a seasoned Gym Leader. He made me work for that Badge! But for me, Bug-type Pokémon aren't much of a challenge. I'm going to keep winning like this against all of the Unova region's Gym Leaders! Then, I'll head for the Pokémon League and outperform the Champion! If I do that, everyone will admit what a strong Trainer I am… That will make me feel truly alive…"
"I believe it would be wise for me to catch some Ground-type Pokémon. Or perhaps I should strengthen my Pokémon. What's my best path forward?"
Before battle
"Hey, <player>. I've been waiting for you to get the Insect Badge. And now it's time to see which one of us is the stronger Trainer!"
After the first damaging, non-KO hit
"You seem to understand the importance of the first attack very well."
Last Pokémon low on health
"If I can bring out the power of my Pokémon, I can still pull this off and win."
Being defeated
"Impressive. But why can't I win?!"
After being defeated
"It's now clear to me. The reason you are so tough is the trust between you and your Pokémon. But… that shouldn't be a problem. I can get more out of <Cheren's starter> and my other Pokémon, too."
On Xtransceiver
"Professor Juniper, do you need something?"
"...Um, hello?!"
After the call
"Nimbasa City's gate is straight down Route 4."
Nimbasa City Gate
"Come here."
"It seems the Professor gave us the Pokédex as a reason to send us on a journey. At least, that's what my mom told me. They wanted us to go out and see the world, so my mom, Bianca's mom, and your mom made a request to Professor Juniper. <Player>, what should we do now? I think I'd like to show the Professor my thanks by going to Route 4 and catching some Pokémon I haven't caught."
"What a bother. We're grateful that you lowered the bridge, but how is it our fault that they escaped?"
"Well, I suppose that's fair. But really, we would have looked for Team Plasma even if he hadn't asked. I can't get stronger while beating that bothersome bunch… <Player>! I'll go on ahead."
"<Player>… Do you think Team Plasma could be in there? I don't like cold places, but we have to check. What a bother."
"Well… Still. Is there anything more important than strength for Trainers, like the Champion said? Oh, I'll never understand just by thinking about it. What a bother. Let's hurry up and check the inside."
Inside
"Oh… Is someone in there?"
No: "But the only place in the cold storage we haven't searched is here, right?"
Yes: "Shall we go, then?"
"What's wrong? Aren't you going to check inside?"*
"Whatever. I can't believe you were really hiding. It's a bother, but if you're cold shall I show you outside?"
"<Player>! Let's each take care of one side!"
After defeating the Team Plasma Grunts
"Whatever… Team Plasma's ideal… Separating people and Pokémon… It's exactly the same as not having Pokémon in this world at all. That bunch is a waste of oxygen. <Player>… It's cold, so I'm getting out of here."
Outside the Gym
´"Well, we avoided a fight in the middle of the city, anyway. Still, I can't help but think Ghetsis isn't just an ordinary person. I'm off to go make my Pokémon stronger. I really don't want to lose to that Clay guy. Actually, I'm going to win my Gym Badge in a flawless victory!"
"<Player>! Since we both hold the Jet Badge now, let's see which of us is stronger!"
After the first damaging, non-KO hit
"Your strength… And my strength… Right. Let's test them."
Sending out last Pokémon
"Can you be strong even if you lose? Is winning everything?"
Being defeated
"Pokémon battles are fun. But what is it to be truly strong?"
After being defeated
"If it isn't the Champion, Alder. I'm weak, so I lost! ...And, honestly, it bothers me when you call it a fine battle despite that."
"If I get strong and become a Champion, that will be the reason for my existence. I want to prove that I'm really living."
"What I do with my power... I don't know that answer yet. First, I want to become a strong Trainer so everyone will acknowledge that power! <Player>... Next time, I will win!"
Inside
"Oh… <player>!"
"Is that so."
"I thought he was going to get us involved in all that bother again, so I was bracing myself before I knew it. I'm going in first, but I'll be seeing you."
Near exit
"So if you want to set Pokémon free… If that's what want, you should start with your own. But taking people's Pokémon by force is not right. That is not real strength!"
"Those guys… I don't know what they've found, but they go the extra mile to gain power and cause trouble. What a bothersome bunch… <Player>… I'm going to stay here for a while. I want to think a little bit about what the Champion asked me… What do I want to do with my power after I get strong? And why do I want to be strong in the first place?"
"<Player>, I've been talking with Bianca, and I'm wondering… Since we left Nuvema Town, has something about me… changed? Thinking about what I want to do… Thinking about what I should do… It felt like there was nothing… Have I really become stronger? Or is it just my Pokémon that have? I don't know anymore!"
"I'm going, too. Dragonspiral Tower is to the North of here, right?"
"<Player>! You can walk on the fallen columns, too. I'm going after Team Plasma!"
3F
"This is nothing! But there sure are a lot of them… Oh, what a complete bother!"
Top floor
"<Player>, did you see what flew off just now?"
"Why? That was that guy N, right? Why was he with the legendaryPokémon? He couldn't be the hero, could he?! Also, did I hear him tell you to search for the other legendary Pokémon?"
Outside
"That guy called N… Team Plasma's boss apparently reawakened the legendary Pokémon. He told <player> to look for the other legendary Pokémon, then flew away..."
"I think I understand better now. Being able to do something for Pokémon—for somebody at a time like this—is strength… I'm sure of it. And my strength is something that is given to me by Pokémon. OK, Champion, let's hurry!"
"Stop, <player>! That's the entrance to the Relic Castle. You're impressive, <player>, making it here before I did. Dealing with the Desert Resort's Pokémon took longer than I would have thought. I only made it all the way out here thanks to my Pokémon. Alder went on ahead. Let's hurry."
After exiting the Relic Castle
"It's hard to put into words… but I'll never forgive them for this!"
"I'll look around here once more. I don't want to believe what that Ghetsis says… You should head for the Nacrene City Museum."
"Drayden and Professor Juniper told me. You're heading for the Pokémon League, right?"
Yes: "Since it's Alder... Since it's the Champion, I think it will be all right."
No: "Now is not the time for modesty."
"Worst-case scenario… you'll be battling Team Plasma's boss, N. I need to know if you can handle it!"
After the first damaging, non-KO hit
"I will use everything that I've learned on this journey!"
Sending out last Pokémon
"My Pokémon and I will put all our energy into this battle!"
Being defeated
"Thank you. You are really great."
After being defeated
"Yep, you are something else. And I mean that sincerely. Right. Now, I have to make your Pokémon healthy."
"Right now, there's no way I can compare with you, <Player>. If there is anything I can do to help in the battle with N, just say so…"
"Funny? At a time like this…"
"…So that's what you mean. ...You are right that we're all different and we should do the things that we can do."
"There are as many truths and ideals as there are people and Pokémon. The most important thing is that we help one another out. That's why people and Pokémon are always by each other's side. That's what I've come to think lately… <Player>! If anything happens to you or Alder, I will do everything I can to help you. That's why I have to keep training and getting stronger. Just...don't be reckless, OK?"
"Mr. Alder, you're a wreck. It's not fitting for the Champion."
"Somehow, I beat the Pokémon League, but it wasn't easy."
"I became stronger because I understood what I want to do. <Player>! Tell N this… Some people grow stronger by being with Pokémon. My Pokémon and I are proof. Together, we learned and became stronger."
"Hey, <player>. Is Looker through talking to you?"
"If that's the case… I let Ghetsis escape when the Shadow Triad created an opening."
"I'll tell you later about what happened in the castle. It's more important to ask what you plan to do now, Bianca."
"That's thecity on the other side of Route 16 when you leave from Nimbasa City. Hmm. If you go that way, you might be able to meet all sorts of Pokémon you've never seen before."
"Huh. Bianca's as impetuous as ever, no matter what is going on. I think I'll travel all the way around Unova, starting at Route 1 again. I'm sure I'll discover lots of new things. Could be I'll encounter the Seven Sages along the way… And, <player>, if we spy each other along the way, let's battle again, OK?"
"Strength and strength alone is what matters in this world. So I believed, until I met Alder here."
"But, winning in Pokémon battles isn't all there is to life. Once I learned that, my eyes were opened to many different things."
"We all have our own band of strength, people and Pokémon both. The strength to make our dreams a reality, the strength to protect what we hold most dear…"
"Why do I think this way now? It's thanks to you, <player>... And Bianca... And Alder... If only N could see this, too, someday."
"I'm going to take a long, hard look on myself on Victory Road. I'm going to think about what I can do and who I can become… Visit me sometime, if you want. We'll have a battle like old times."
"I guess that's that. OK, <player>! Accept this Pokémon battle!"
Before battle (subsequent visits)
"Oh, you showed up, <player>. In order to surpass myself up to this point, and to beat a purely strong Pokémon Trainer such as yourself, I'm challenging you to a Pokémon battle!"
After the first damaging, non-KO hit
"I know all my strengths and weaknesses now. Soon, I will also know all yours!"
Sending out last Pokémon
"It's not over yet. My Pokémon are with me!"
Last Pokémon on low health
"I believe in my Pokémon's strength, so I don't lose my calm."
Being defeated
"Thank you! I saw what was missing in me."
After being defeated
"I'll keep battling many Trainers and Pokémon like this, and if I can learn what kind of person I am, it will open up my path. I'm sure this path will lead me to become the person I'm meant to be. Pokémon will always be with you and me as we go down our own paths. Our important friends, Pokémon…"
"You must be a challenger! Welcome to Aspertia City's Pokémon Gym. I'm Cheren, the Gym Leader! Hm? Well, maybe I'd better say that I just became the Gym Leader! More importantly, we need to prepare before welcoming you to the Gym."
"We have a challenger! You two, take your places!"
"If you can defeat these two, then I'll be your opponent!"
If talked to before defeating the two Trainers
"If you want to battle me, please defeat those two first, OK?"
Before battle
"Just as this is your first Gym challenge, this is my first Pokémon battle as a Gym Leader! Let's both do our best and have a battle we can be proud of!"
During battle (the first non-KO HP loss)
"To have chosen that move... I see! You'll be a powerful opponent!"
Sending out last Pokémon
"As a Gym Leader, I aim to be a wall for you to overcome!"
Being defeated
"This! This is what a real Pokémon battle is!"
After being defeated:
"That battle has made me feel really glad you were my first challenger as a Gym Leader… I give you this in honor of the strength you and your Pokémon showed!"
"Here is your first Gym Badge, the Basic Badge! This is an important milestone! With this Badge, Pokémon up to Lv. 20 will obey you, including traded Pokémon."
"And I want you to take this! TM83 can teach your Pokémon the move Work Up! When you use Work Up while battling, it raises the user's Attack and Sp. Atk. By the way, TMs can be used as many times as you want!"
"In the Unova region, there are eight Pokémon Gyms and eight Gym Badges! If you're a Trainer, you could collect all of them! That will make it easier to fill the pages of the Pokédex as well! Yes, two years ago, Pokédex in hand, I left on a journey with my friends."
"See the dark tall grass here? It's rare, but sometimes two Pokémon pop out at the same time. Also, the Pokémon that hide in dark grass are slightly stronger. So be careful if you walk through."
"If you're going to challenge the next Gym, it's the Virbank Gym. These might help!"
"Here are some for you, Hugh! Both of you, do your best! If you need anything, call me on the Xtransceiver."
"Why did you call me here, too? I'm busy looking into something!"
"Man oh man... You never change, Clay. But the tournament itself does look pretty fun! OK! I'll go register!"
After the Driftveil Tournament
"The Unova Gym Leaders will probably participate in order to improve their skills."
"I barely recognized you and <player>. You two are way different from when we battled in Aspertia City! Traveling with Pokémon makes everyone grow so much..."
"I'm as thrilled as I can be to battle here against you, the first challenger I battled as a Gym Leader. I'm sure you've learned something about Pokémon during your journey. Now, I'm going to see if your bond with your Pokémon has grown stronger!"
Being defeated
"Fantastic! You and your Pokémon have grown much stronger!"
If the player is defeated
"Even when you lose, your Pokémon are still brimming with fighting spirit."
After winning/being defeated
"I made it where I am because Pokémon were by my side. Perhaps we need to think about why Pokémon help us not in terms of Pokémon and Trainers but as a relationship between living beings."
Other Tournaments
Before battle (first round)
"I feel that if it's with you, this battle won't be a simple competition but a battle where I can ponder the relationship between Pokémon and their Trainers."
Before battle (second round)
"Do you want to show how strong you are by winning, or do you want to learn what battling really means? Pokémon battles have no meaning if you don't think why you battle. Or better said, it makes battling together with Pokémon meaningless."
Before battle (final round)
"Even if hurt, my Pokémon will fight for me with just one command. I think I'll value and trust your Pokémon more if you keep that fact close to your heart. What can I do for these Pokémon? What should I do? That's right! I battle with everything to find the ideal relationship between Pokémon and people!"
When defeated
"Thank you! I feel like I saw a little of the way toward my ideals."
If the player is defeated
"Even when you lose, your Pokémon are still brimming with fighting spirit."
After being defeated
"I'll keep battling many Trainers and Pokémon like this, and if I can learn what kind of person I am, it will open up my path. I'm sure this path will lead me to become the person I'm meant to be. Pokémon will always be with you and me as we go down our own paths. Our important friends, Pokémon..."
After winning
"Pokémon are by all of our sides--mine, yours, and each and every Trainer's! That's why we move forward! The Pokémon walking alongside us give us the strength to do so!"
In the lobby, after the tournament
"I learned something from this battle... But only a little. What does it mean to be strong...? What are Pokémon...? There are so many things I don't know!"
"And... It seems like it's disguised as an old sailboat... But that can't be it, right?"
Before Multi Battle
"<Player>! I'd like to show them what the two of us can do, so could you help me out?"
After the battle
"Thanks! You've really become much stronger! Help out Hugh next, OK?"
"There are so many of them. What a bother!"
After the battle alongside Hugh
"Good idea... There are a lot of things I want to ask about as well."
"Oh, good grief... You're the person who was shivering in the Cold Storage, right? Wasn't your name Zinzolin? You're going to have to tell me what you're planning to do with this ship."
After getting kicked out by the Shadow Triad
"The Shadow Triad... With their superhuman powers, they can immobilize people and then disappear! But I'm more concerned with what Zinzolin said... "Once again, we will use the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon and we will rule the Unova region!" What could that mean? The legendary Dragon-type Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom aren't in Unova anymore... <Player>. There's something I want to look into, so I'm going to head to Route 6! Be careful out there!"
"Oh, <player>. Can you come with me for a moment?"
"No one really talks about it, but the record shows that there was a sudden drop in temperature near Lacunosa Town. It was only for a moment, but it went down as low as -58° F. Not only that, but similar temperatures were recorded around Castelia City and Driftveil City. On top of that, that incident with Team Plasma! I think this needs some investigation before things go bad. I hate cold weather, though. I'll give you this... It's a Hidden Machine that contains Surf. With this, please go to different places and check what's going on. Let one of your Pokémon learn Surf, and you can travel across the water."
"Sorry to have slowed you down. Some strange things may be happening, so be careful on your journey!"
"Yes. No doubt about it... Anyway, I'll be arriving in just a moment!"
In the streets
"<Player>. Drayden, glad to see you're safe as well."
"Thanks. We should save catching up for later. I have a good idea of where Team Plasma is hiding. The place with the lowest temperature in the Unova region right now is an area close to Humilau City. Drayden, please protect Opelucid City. Hugh and I will find Team Plasma!"
"<Player>! I could use your help, if you're willing. You're a skilled Trainer who can go toe-to-toe with Team Plasma. That's my definition of useful. Drayden, we're off!"
"Sorry I'm late... I suspect that they're flying toward the Giant Chasm."
"Kyurem! Team Plasma is using Kyurem's power for evil?!"
"Then how should we stop Team Plasma? If Kyurem is, like Drayden said, a legendary Dragon-type Pokémon, the only ones who could stand up to it are ZekromB2/ReshiramW2 or ReshiramB2/ZekromW2! But... Neither of them is here right now... Where are the ones the legendary Pokémon recognized as heroes, anyway? I guess I just have to find one of them!"
If spoken to
"Yeah... You can get to the Giant Chasm from Route 22."
"Hey, nice timing! I heard that Team Plasma was seen in Pinwheel Forest... Could you help me look for them?"
Yes: "Thank you! This is a good opportunity for me to see up close what you can really do. I suppose I'll follow your lead. Leave recovery to me!"
No: "We don't know how many there are, so splitting up doesn't seem like a very good tactic. Got it! I'll wait here until you're ready to go!"
If the player attempts to leave the area
"Stop! If you go past here, we'll leave the Pinwheel Forest. We still haven't found Team Plasma, but do you need to leave for a minute?
No: "Thank you! This is a good opportunity for me to see up close what you can really do. I suppose I'll follow your lead. Leave recovery to me!"
Yes: "We don't know how many there are, so splitting up doesn't seem like a very good tactic. Got it! I'll wait here until you're ready to go!"
If the player returns after leaving the area
"Team Plasma was seen inside Pinwheel Forest... But you already know that. Will you help me look for them?
Yes: "Thank you! This is a good opportunity for me to see up close what you can really do. I suppose I'll follow your lead. Leave recovery to me!"
No: "We don't know how many there are, so splitting up doesn't seem like a very good tactic. Got it! I'll wait here until you're ready to go!"
If talked to while walking
"People and Pokémon each have their own strengths — the strength to realize dreams, and the strength to protect others... I'm sure N understands that now.
If talked to again
"Team Plasma... Or better said, Ghetsis... It's almost like, to him, there was nothing else in the world but himself..."
If talked to for the third time
"My ideal is to be strong... But there are many ways to be strong in this world. Simply winning battles doesn't help me find the ideal strength I desire."
If talked to for the fourth time
"You remind me of a friend of mine whose strength was amazing. I wonder what that friend is up to these days..."
If talked to for the fifth time onwards
"Still no sign of Team Plasma. Why don't we head deeper into the forest?"
Upon meeting Gorm
"Team Plasma's finished. Despite that, you still haven't given up? Are you here planning something?"
After Gorm left
"You know... If it wasn't for Ghetsis, he might've chosen another path... Or maybe not. He was the one who decided to follow Ghetsis, after all..."
"That aside, thank you! You have made this investigation go smoothly. This is my thanks! Come on, just take it!"
"Hmm. I wonder what kind of battle strategies we could utilize with your Pokémon and mine."
"Oops, sorry about that. Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts."
"Being both a Gym Leader and a teacher, I tend to have a lot on my mind at any given time."
If spoken to again
"You know, I've always preferred to pause and give things a lot of thought."
"If you brainstorm your battle strategies beforehand, you'll be able to quickly adapt to any obstacle you face later on."
"However, just because that method works for me doesn't necessarily mean it's best for you."
"Everyone should be free to seek out whatever battle methods work best for them."
Random conversation
"My job at the Trainers' School is to teach young Trainers all about Pokémon."
"There are many different methods out there for improving your strength as a Trainer..."
"but in my experience, hands-on learning with Pokémon through battling is a surefire way to get stronger."
If spoken to again
"I may be on the teaching end of the classroom at the Trainers' School, but often I'm learning just as much as I'm teaching."
"Sometimes beginner Trainers who aren't used to being around Pokémon help me discover things I never would have noticed otherwise."
Random conversation
"After I became a Gym Leader, the Lillipup I'd raised as my partner evolved into a Stoutland."
"I haven't been a Gym Leader for very long yet..."
"but I will say this: the trust and friendship that I've built up with Stoutland is second to none."
"Stoutland is the ace of my team, and I depend on him a lot. I'd love to show you how strong he is sometime."
If spoken to again
"The key to bringing out a Pokémon's full strength is getting to know it inside and out."
"I did a ton of studying with my Stoutland here, at first."
"And not just reading books, mind you. A lot of it was observation. It's important to learn what sort of personality your Pokémon has."
Special Unova Rally conversation with Roxie and Marlon
"Haha, that's Marlon for you--a professional man of the sea."
"Only someone like Marlon could get worked up this much about the ocean."
National Gymquirer
Jingle: "Woo hoo! All right! It's 'The National Gymquirer'!"
Page: "That's right! We collect the hottest gossip about Gym Leaders seen around town! Here is today's letter. From someone going by the name 3rdGradeGoodyGoody! Thank yooou! 'Recently, I saw Cheren making his thumb and middle finger into a circle like glasses. He said he gave up his glasses so he can focus on Pokémon battles, but maybe Cheren actually misses them' Hm... Maybe a circle is just a circle! 'The National Gymquirer'! We eagerly await your letters!"
Finally, only a Shinx was left. When it was too scared to come closer, Cheren went to it, and, ignoring its Electric shocks, managed to calm it down. Afterwards, Cheren agreed to have an unofficial battle with Ash. Ash used his Oshawott, while Cheren used his Herdier. Cheren eventually won the battle, with Herdier taking Oshawott out with a super effectiveThunder Fang.
Cheren is personable and calm, though he has a tendency to overthink. Being a new Gym Leader, his anxiety is understandable, however fellow Gym Leader Cilan knew it would inhibit Cheren's ability to fulfil his responsibilities. Following an unofficial battle win over Ash, Cheren began to see his own potential.
Pokémon
の
This article is missing information on this character's English voice actor and Japanese voice actor. You can help by adding this information.
Cheren takes care of many Sunflora that live in the Aspertia Gym. When Pikachu and Axew accidentally caused loud noises on the school's PA, all of the school's Pokémon ran wildly around, including the Sunflora. However, Ash helped Cheren gather them.
Cheren takes care of many Ducklett that live in the Aspertia Gym. When Pikachu and Axew accidentally caused loud noises on the school's PA, all of the school's Pokémon ran wildly around, including the Ducklett. However, Cilan helped Cheren gather them.
Cheren takes care of many Minccino that live in the Aspertia Gym. When Pikachu and Axew accidentally caused loud noises on the school's PA, all of the school's Pokémon ran wildly around, including the Minccino. However, Iris helped Cheren gather them.
Cheren takes care of two Shinx that live in the Aspertia Gym. When Pikachu and Axew accidentally caused loud noises on the school's PA, all of the school's Pokémon ran wildly around, including the Shinx. However, Ash, Iris, and Cilan helped Cheren to gather them.
In the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer
Cheren in the animated trailer
Cheren appeared in the Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer. He was first seen having a Gym battle against Rosa, using his Stoutland against her Serperior. He was shown to be having a little difficulty after Stoutland was hit by Serperior's Slam. However, he managed to have Stoutland overcome Frenzy Plant using Hyper Beam. Rosa then comments that she is just getting started in the battle and Cheren agrees with her. Later on, he is seen with Nate and Hugh on the Plasma Frigate. As the grunts were surrounding the three of them, Cheren comments how bothersome they are and prepares to battle them.
Stoutland is Cheren's only known Pokémon. Alongside Korrina's Lucario and Misty's Starmie, it battled Cynthia's Garchomp, Steven's Metagross, and Lance's Dragonite. Stoutland tried to hit Garchomp with Giga Impact, but Garchomp defended itself with Dragon Claw and knocked it back, forcing Lucario to try and catch it, but this backfired and both Pokémon were incapacitated. After Starmie protected it and Lucario from Dragonite's Hyper Beam, Stoutland defended itself from Metagross's Flash Cannon with Crunch.
Cheren appears as a supporting character in Pokémon Adventures.
In the Be the Best! Pokémon B+W manga
Cheren in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W
Cheren is friends with both Monta and Bianca, he is very knowledgeable about Pokémon, which Monta dislikes. Anywhere Monta slips up he won't hesitate to tell him the right way.
He first appears with Bianca when Monta is attempting to capture a wildPatrat and Watchog. Monta is just about to capture the Watchog which Cheren tells him that it is not the right way. He explains to Monta to remember that when two Pokémon come out at the same time, one should knock out the one they don't want before they can get the one that they do want. Cheren suddenly decides for all of them to take their Pokémon journey together, which a man on his bike overhears. He starts insulting them making him and Monta angry.
He uses Tepig in a Double Battle with Monta's Snivy against a Biker King's Braviary, it looks like they were about to lose, but they uses a combination attack which Cheren thinks of, fainting Braviary. Cheren battles Monta in The Key to Triple Battles using his Tepig, Pansage and Basculin against Monta's Snivy, Panpour and Roggenrola. He starts off with a lecture about triple battles. With his great knowledge of triple battles he gives Monta a hard time, but is eventually defeated. He has traveled with Monta and Bianca from time to time.
Cheren battles Monta in The Birth of the Best Pokémon Trainer! in a Single and Triple Battle. Even though the Single Battle was easier for Monta, Cheren gave him a hard time in the Triple Battle.
Cheren's Tepig is well trained and has a type advantage over Monta's Snivy. It was first used in a Double Battle with Snivy against the Biker King's Braviary. After Snivy tries a Vine Whip which hardly does any damage, he goes in for a fire attack which hardly does any damage too. Tepig is then sent flying with Peck. It goes in with a Fire Pledge with Grass Pledge creating the combination needed to defeat Braviary.
It battles Monta in The Key to Triple Battles with Pansage and Basculin against Monta's Snivy, Panpour and Roggenrola. It starts off with an Ember on Snivy, before taking a hit for Basculin by switching places with it, not hurting it much. But seconds later, Panpour uses Surf fainting it.
Tepig reappeared as an Emboar where it fought with Monta's Reshiram, Victini and Zekrom in the Single and Triple Battle.
Cheren's Red-Striped Basculin was first seen in a battle against Monta's Snivy, Panpour and Roggenrola with Tepig and Pansage. It is about to get hit by Snivy's Vine Whip but switches places with Tepig. It then gets hit by Panpour's Surf which does not do much damage. But along with Pansage is defeated by a powerful Rock Slide from Roggenrola, fainting it.
Cheren borrowed Samurott during his Triple Battle against Monta.
In the Pocket Monsters B2 W2 ~ A New Legend ~ manga
Cheren was going after Arata when he was trying to protect a Keldeo in a forest located in Aspertia City. Due to Arata's cowardly personality, he sent out his Samurott to reveal where he was hiding. After Arata explained what he was doing with Keldeo, two Team Plasma Grunts arrived with their ambition on catching Keldeo. When Cheren got knocked out from the grunts's Eelektross, he was saved by his friend, Hiro, who disbanded the team not too long ago. As Hiro arrived, Cheren wondered why he didn't keep in touch.
Cheren sent out Samurott to cut down a tree that Arata was hiding in. Later, when two Team Plasma grunts arrived with their ambition to catch Keldeo, Cheren had Samurott battle their Eelektross. Despite being quicker than its foe, Samurott was rendered useless when it jumped in the way of Eelektross from harming Arata and Keldeo.
None of Samurott's moves are known.
In the Pocket Monsters BW: Meetings with the Legends manga
Cheren appeared as a supporting character and a friend of Touya in Pocket Monsters BW: Meetings with the Legends. He was first seen going up to Touya after Touya had a discussion with N about their dreams. Cheren, Touya, and Bianca discussed about the speech Team Plasma delivered. When two Team Plasma grunts took a little girl's Minccino, Cheren decided to go after Ghetsis and the rest of Team Plasma to see what they're going to do next.
He headed to Icirrus City where he gave Touya and Bianca a call on the Xtransceiver to come over to the Gym. He explained to the two that Team Plasma were about to make Brycen release his Pokémon. While Team Plasma began their assault in Dragonspiral Tower, Cheren, Bianca, and Brycen stayed behind to take the grunts on.
Cheren obtained Snivy as his starter Pokémon. It was revealed to have evolved into Servine when Cheren sent it out to battle Team Plasma.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
Cheren makes a brief appearance in the very first chapter of Pocket Monsters BW where he along with Black and Bianca go to Professor Juniper's lab to get their first Pokémon.
In the TCG
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Cheren or his Pokémon in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Cheren's Pokémon Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Cheren is the only Gym Leader who gives out a Badge previously given out by another Gym Leader in a different Gym.
Cheren is the only Normal-type Gym Leader in the anime that Ash did not have a rematch with after losing a Gym battle, due to Ash already having the Basic Badge.
Names
Language
Name
Origin
Japanese
チェレン Cheren
From черен čéren, Bulgarian for black.
English, German, Spanish, Vietnamese
Cheren
Same as Japanese name.
French
Tcheren
Same as Japanese name.
Italian
Komor
Possibly komor, Hungarian for gloomy.
Korean
체렌 Cheren
Same as Japanese name.
Chinese (Mandarin)
黑連 / 黑连 Hēilián*
Rough transliteration of his Japanese name. Contains 黑 hēi (black).
謙煉 Qiānliàn*
Rough transliteration of his Japanese name. Possibly from 試煉 shìliàn (trial) or 鍛煉 duànliàn (to toughen).