Hugh is the player's childhood friend. He is described as feeling passionately for Pokémon battles and Pokémon strength. He is also a doting older brother to his sister; he hates Team Plasma because they stole a Purrloin his late grandfather had caught for his sister. For that reason, Hugh travels across Unova and challenges its Gyms so he and his Pokémon can become strong enough to topple the new Team Plasma. He considers both his Pokémon and the player to be his partners, and battles with and against them at several points during their journey.