Alder is a tall, powerfully-built man with long flaming red hair tied back in a spiky ponytail, tan skin, and dark eyes. His hair resembles the feathery headdress of a Native American Chief. He also wears an outfit that is similar to the garb of a Native American: a tan cloak-like vestments with a black collar, red and orange trim on the sleeves, and orange and black trim across the middle. He wears white pants with ragged ends, and black sandals on his feet. He sports a necklace of six Poké Balls.

Alder is a solitary wanderer who travels across the Unova region to ease the pain of his sorrow over the loss of his beloved Pokémon partner, which became very ill and passed away. Alder takes his role as a Champion very seriously, and strives to teach trainers how important it is not to be prideful or power-hungry. He is a wise older person with much life-experience, and is also kind but passionate at the same time.