List of Pokémon anime characters

This article is about the characters in the anime TV series. For the characters in the whole franchise, see List of Pokémon characters. For the characters in the manga series, see List of Pokémon Adventures characters. For the creatures known as "Pokémon", see List of Pokémon.

Pokémon, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), is a Japanese anime television series based on the Pokémon video game series published by Nintendo. It began airing on TV Tokyo on April 1, 1997, in association with MediaNet, formerly known as TV Tokyo MediaNet and Softx, and Shopro, standing for Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd., formerly known as Shogakukan Productions Co., Ltd.. The series follows protagonist Ash Ketchum for most of its run. He is a young boy who strives to become a Pokémon Master, often by becoming a Champion, a region's strongest trainer. His travels take him through regions, continent-like landmasses that are part of the larger world. Along the way, he meets many other characters, who are often main characters who accompany him on his travels or recurring characters who appear throughout the series. He is succeeded as main character by Liko, who accompanies the Rising Volt Tacklers, a travelling band of explorers, in their travels across the world.

In the world of Pokémon, Pokémon are creatures with elemental attributes called Types that can be captured using devices called Poke Balls. Humans who capture Pokémon are known as Pokémon Trainers, who befriend and fight alongside them. One goal is the Gym Challenge, in which a Pokémon Trainer challenges Gyms headed by Gym Leaders. Defeating a Leader earns a Trainer a Badge, eight of which are needed to register to participate in a Tournament, with the winner moving on to either battle the region's Champion, who is its strongest Trainer, or the Elite Four, a group of strong Trainers who must be defeated before they can challenge the Champion.

Other avenues for Trainers include Contests, which are events where Trainers, who are known as Coordinators, compete to win Ribbons. Those who earn enough Ribbons can move on to a Grand Festival, where a Top Coordinator will be determined. There are also several antagonistic organizations that serve as villains in the series, most prominently Team Rocket, with Jessie, James, and Meowth acting as recurring antagonists for a large portion of the show's run.

Protagonists

Ash Ketchum (サトシ, Satoshi)

Voiced by: Rica Matsumoto; Hana Takeda (young, JN001) (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (4Kids); Sarah Natochenny (TPCI) (English)

The main protagonist of the anime's first twenty-five seasons. He is a ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer who dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master and often aims to defeat the Pokémon League: a competition between a region's strongest Trainers. Though usually unsuccessful, he later becomes Alola's Champion and defeats Leon to be crowned as Monarch.

Misty (カスミ, Kasumi)

Voiced by: Mayumi Iizuka (Japanese); Rachael Lillis (4Kids), Michele Knotz (TPCI) (English)

One of Ash's companions in the original series. She was one of Cerulean City's four Gym Leaders along with her three older sisters, and after the original series becomes its sole Gym Leader. She later returns in Advanced Generation, Sun & Moon, and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Brock (タケシ, Takeshi)

Voiced by: Yūji Ueda (Japanese); Eric Stuart (4Kids), Bill Rogers (TPCI) (English)

One of Ash's companions in the original series. He is the former Gym Leader of Pewter City and a ladies' man. In his earliest appearances, he dreams of being the world's best Pokémon breeder, though in later appearances instead aspires to be a doctor. A running gag has him fall in love with girls he meets, only to be pulled away by the ear or hit with his Croagunk's Poison Jab. Brock appears in several seasons, eventually leaving at the end of the Diamond and Pearl series. He later returns in Sun & Moon and Journeys.

Tracey Sketchit (ケンジ, Kenji)

Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki (Japanese); Ted Lewis (4Kids, TPCI (Current)), Craig Blair (TPCI, season 9) (English)

One of Ash's companions in the Orange Islands. He is a Pokémon watcher, someone who studies Pokémon in the field. He later becomes an assistant to Professor Oak.

May and Max (ハルカ and マサト, Haruka and Masato)

Voiced by: Kaori Suzuki (May) and Fushigi Yamada (Max) (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (4Kids), Michele Knotz (TPCI) Amy Birnbaum (4Kids); Kayzie Rogers (TPCI) (Max) (English)

The daughter of Petalburg City's Gym Leader, Norman, and Max's older sister, who is his companion in Hoenn. She takes interest in Pokémon Contests, competitions focusing on a Pokémon's appearance or appeal. She later returns in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon Journeys: The Series. Max is May's younger brother, who accompanies her in her travels.

Dawn (ヒカリ, Hikari)

Voiced by: Megumi Toyoguchi (Japanese); Emily Bauer (English)

A Pokémon Coordinator who is Ash and Brock's companion in Sinnoh. Following in her mother's footsteps as a Coordinator, a Trainer who participates in Pokémon Contests, she chooses Piplup as her starter Pokémon and sets out to become Top Coordinator. She later returns in Pokémon the Series: Black & White and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Iris (アイリス, Airisu, Iris)

Voiced by: Aoi Yūki (Japanese); Eileen Stevens(Season 14-Season 24), Anairis Quiñones (Current) (English)

One of Ash's companions in the Black and White series. She hails from a village where Dragon-type Pokémon are a major focus, and travels with an Axew. She later returns in Pokémon Journeys, where she is revealed to have become Unova's Champion and battles Cynthia in the Masters Eight tournament in the World Coronation Series, but loses.

Cilan (デント, Dento, Dent)

Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese); Jason Griffith (English)

A Pokémon Connoisseur who can determine the compatibility between Pokémon and their Trainers. He is also one of Striaton City's Gym Leaders along with his brothers Chili and Cress, and has a Pansage as his partner. However, he leaves his position to join Ash and Iris on their journey, serving as their companion and mentor. He later returns in Pokémon the Series: XYZ and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Serena (セレナ, Serena)

Voiced by: Mayuki Makiguchi (Japanese); Haven Burton-Paschall (English)

A Pokémon Performer who is one of Ash's companions in Pokémon the Series: XY. She met him when they were younger, and after seeing him on television many years later, decides to join him on his journey. She partakes in Pokémon Showcases in an attempt to become the Kalos Queen, an honorary title for the best Performer. At the end of the series, she departs for Hoenn to compete in its Pokémon Contests; before parting, she kisses Ash. She later returns in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, where she encourages Chloe to enter the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest.

Clemont and Bonnie (シトロン and ユリーカ, Shitoron and Yurīka, Citron and Eureka)

Voiced by: Yūki Kaji (Clemont), Mariya Ise (EP803-887, 903–942); and Mika Kanai (EP888-902) (Bonnie) (Japanese); Michael Liscio Jr. (Clemont) and Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (Bonnie) (English)

Clemont is Lumiose City's Gym Leader, who specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. He is a young inventor and always carries a large backpack with him, but most of his inventions tend to fail or explode. He travels with Ash during the XY series to become a better Gym Leader, with Ash later challenging and defeating him at the Lumiose Gym to acquire his fifth Badge in Kalos. Before Ash leaves Kalos, he challenges him to a final battle, the outcome of which is not revealed. He later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series alongside Bonnie.

Bonnie is Clemont's younger sister, who is too young to have a Pokémon. As such, she has Clemont catch a Dedenne for her, who becomes her partner throughout the series. She later befriends one of Zygarde's cores, which she affectionately nicknames Squishy and bonds with. A running gag involves her attempting to get other women to marry Clemont, though he often drags her away.

Lana (スイレン, Suiren)

Voiced by: Hitomi Kikuchi (Japanese); Rosie Reyes (English)

One of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island, who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon. She is a master at fishing and loves Water-type Pokémon.

Kiawe (カキ, Kaki)

Voiced by: Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese); Marc Swint (English)

One of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island, who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. He is the oldest and most experienced of the group and owns a Z-Ring, which allows his Pokémon to use Z-Moves. He runs a dairy farm on Akala Island along with his parents and specializes in Fire-type Pokémon due to being inspired by his grandfather's words.

Lillie (リーリエ, Rīrie, Lillie)

Voiced by: Kei Shindō (Japanese); Laurie Hymes (English)

One of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island, who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. Hailing from a very rich family, she loves to study and usually helps other students with their research, but has an inherent fear of touching Pokémon due to an incident involving Nihilego in her youth. She eventually overcomes her fears and later departs to search for her missing father, Mohn. She later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Sophocles (マーマネ, Māmane)

Voiced by: Fumiko Takekuma (Japanese); Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (English)

One of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island, who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. He specializes in Electric-type Pokémon and is good with machines.

Mallow (マオ, Mao)

Voiced by: Reina Ueda (Japanese); Rebecca Soler (Sun & Moon); Emily Cramer (Journeys) (English)

One of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island, who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series. She specializes in Grass-type Pokémon and works at her family's restaurant.

Goh (ゴウ, Gō)

Voiced by: Daiki Yamashita; Kei Shindō (young, JN001) (Japanese); Zeno Robinson (English)

A Pokémon Trainer who meets Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and travels with him throughout the world. His dream is to catch every Pokémon and eventually catch Mew. He later joins Project Mew, an organization dedicated to researching and finding Mew.

Liko (リコ, Liko)

Voiced by: Minori Suzuki (Japanese); Alejandra Reynoso (English)

The female protagonist of the Horizons series. She is a Pokémon Trainer from Cabo Poco in the Paldea region who owns a mysterious pendant which her grandmother, Diana, gave her which is actually the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos in a dormant state. After the Explorers target her for her pendant, she joins the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of travelling explorers, to travel the world.

Roy (ロイ, Roy)

Voiced by: Yuka Terasaki (Japanese); Anjali Kunapaneni (English)

The male protagonist of the Horizons series. He is a Pokémon Trainer from Kanto who joins the Rising Volt Tacklers after encountering a mysterious Shiny Rayquaza.

Rising Volt Tacklers

The Rising Volt Tacklers (ライジングボルテッカーズ, Rising Volteccers) are adventurers who appear in the Horizons series. They travel the world on their airship, the Brave Olivine, to uncover the world's mysteries, especially those related to Pokémon.

Friede (フリード, Furīdo, Freed)

Voiced by: Taku Yashiro (Japanese); Crispin Freeman (English)

The commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers and a Pokémon professor, whose partner Pokémon are a Pikachu nicknamed Captain Pikachu, who captains the Brave Olivine, and a Charizard. He used to be a researcher, but lost interest and mostly hung out on Ludlow's boat. After meeting Liko's mother, Lucca, she showed him a Pikachu that wanted to soar high in the skies, reigniting his passion and leading him to form the Rising Volt Tacklers alongside Ludlow and Orla.

Orla (オリオ, Orio, Orio)

Voiced by: Ayane Sakura (Japanese); Mara Junot (English)

An engineer and machine enthusiast, whose partner Pokémon are a Metagross and an Elekid. It is later revealed that she was childhood friends with Friede and they grew up together in Kanto before she moved to Hoenn, where she worked at Slateport City's docks until meeting Ludlow and reuniting with Friede, who asked her to use her skills to convert Ludlow's fishing boat into an airship, the Brave Olivine.

Mollie (モリー, Morī)

Voiced by: Kei Shindō (Japanese); Erica Mendez (English)

A healing specialist whose partner Pokémon is a Chansey. t is later revealed that she comes from a family of doctors and pursued the profession at a young age. However, instead of working at a Pokémon Center, she decided to join the Rising Volt Tacklers to help the Pokémon she encounters.

Murdock (マードック, Mādokku)

Voiced by: Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Major Attaway (English)

A chef and Dot's uncle, whose partner Pokémon are a Rockruff and an Alcremie. He once worked as a patisserie selling strawberry-flavored cakes alongside his friend and co-worker, Mitchell, who made matcha-flavored cakes. However, after Murdock's Milcery evolved into Alcremie and helped him to improve him his skills, a rift grew between them which ended their partnership. Murdock later reunites and reconciles with Mitchell.

Ludlow (ランドウ, Randō, Landau)

Voiced by: Ikkyū Juku (Japanese); Larry Kenney (English)

A fisherman, whose partner Pokémon are a Quagsire and a Sharpedo. He was Friede's mentor, who he often hung out with on his fishing boat. After Friede met a Pikachu which became Captain Pikachu, Ludlow lent his boat to Friede and allowed it to become the airship, the Brave Olivine. He also has a superhero alter ego known as Mighty G.

Dot (ドット, Dotto)

Voiced by: Yoshino Aoyama (Japanese); Faye Mata (English)

Murdock's niece, who is an online streamer under the alias Nidothing (ぐるみん, Gurumin), who provides advice to beginner Trainers. Dot spends most of her time in her room making videos, though over time bonds with Liko and Roy and reveals her identity as Nidothing to Liko. Her partner Pokémon are a Quaxly and a Tinkatink.

Rivals

Gary Oak (オーキド・シゲル, Ōkido Shigeru, Shigeru Ōkido)

Voiced by: Yuko Kobayashi (Japanese); James Carter Cathcart (Season 1-25, ending in "In the Palm of our Hands!"), SungWon Cho (Current) (English)

Ash's childhood rival, who is from Pallet Town and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Like Ash, he collects Gym Badges and competes in Pokémon League tournaments in Kanto and Johto. At first, he is arrogant, but after losing to a more powerful opponent in the Indigo League, he experiences a change of heart. After losing to Ash in the Johto League, Gary decides to pursue a career in Pokémon research, ending their rivalry. Gary later works with Professor Rowan in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. He returns in Journeys, where he takes part in Project Mew, an organization attempting to locate Mew.

Ritchie (ヒロシ, Hiroshi)

Voiced by: Minami Takayama (Japanese); Tara Sands (English)

A traveling Pokémon Trainer from the Kanto region who first appears during the Indigo League, where he meets and forms a friendship with Ash. Ritchie defeats Ash, but then loses his next match, after which they part ways but pledge an oath to become Pokémon Masters. Ritchie re-appears in Pokémon: Master Quest and is a major protagonist in Pokémon Chronicles.

Drew (シュウ, Shū)

Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese); Oliver Wyman (4Kids); Bill Rogers (TPCi) (English)

An experienced Pokémon Coordinator and May's rival, who she later defeats at the Indigo League Grand Festival. At the end of Pokémon: Battle Frontier, he departs for Johto to compete in Contests along with May and Harley.

Harley (ハーリー, Hārī, Harley)

Voiced by: Jun'ichi Kanemaru (Japanese); Andrew Rannells (4Kids); Billy Regan (TPCi) (English)

A Pokémon Coordinator and May's rival. During their first meeting, Harley takes May's comments as insults to his abilities and begins to dislike her. Since then, he takes every opportunity he can to sabotage May before her Contests.

Morrison (マサムネ, Masamune)

Voiced by: Masako Nozawa (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)

Ash's rival in the Hoenn region, who is determined and likes to challenge others. He challenges Ash to various events, including Pokémon battles and food-eating contests.

Paul (シンジ, Shinji)

Voiced by: Kiyotaka Furushima (Japanese); Julian Rebolledo (English)

A wandering Pokémon Trainer from Veilstone City who has traveled across Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. During the Diamond and Pearl series, he begins traveling through Sinnoh, where he meets and develops a rivalry with Ash. Paul is a serious Trainer whose only concern towards Pokémon is their ability to battle, believing that forming bonds with them weakens their potential. He shows respect for strong trainers, such as Cynthia, but does not respect Trainers who he considers weak. However, after the Pyramid King Brandon defeats him, he realizes that strength is not everything. He later loses his final battle against Ash in the Sinnoh League. He later reunites with Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and helps him train his Pokémon for the Masters Eight. It is also revealed that he has become a Gym Leader.

Zoey (ノゾミ, Nozomi)

Voiced by: Risa Hayamizu (Japanese); Emlyn Morinelli McFarland (English)

A Pokémon Coordinator from Snowpoint City and Dawn's rival, who later defeats her in the Grand Festival.

Kenny (ケンゴ, Kengo)

Voiced by: Yūko Mita (Japanese); Rhonda Krempa (Season 10–12), Erica Schroeder (Current) (English)

Dawn's childhood friend and rival, who often calls her by her nickname, "Dee Dee" (ピカリ, Pikari), which she dislikes. Kenny competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, but is unable to make it to the Grand Festival. Kenny eventually challenges Ash to a battle, the outcome of which will determine who Dawn will travel with. Although he wins the battle, Dawn leaves him a note saying that she wants to continue traveling with Ash.

Barry (ジュン, Jun)

Voiced by: Tatsuhisa Suzuki (Japanese); Jamie McGonnigal (English)

Ash's rival in Sinnoh, who dreams of becoming the world's strongest Pokémon Trainer. He is overconfident and, despite being competent and skilled, tends to lose his battles against Ash. He admires Paul's skills and uses the same techniques as him, but unlike him cares for his Pokémon. Barry is friends with Kenny and the son of Palmer, the Tower Tycoon of Sinnoh's Frontier Brains.

Nando (ナオシ, Naoshi)

Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)

A Pokémon Trainer and wandering minstrel, who plays the harp. He is initially conflicted as to whether he should challenge Gyms or become a Pokémon Coordinator, but after battling Ash and Dawn, chooses to pursue both paths. By the time of the Sinnoh Grand Festival, he has earned seven Gym Badges and five Contest Ribbons. In the Grand Festival, he reaches the Top 4, but loses to Zoey. After the Grand Festival, he obtains the necessary Badges to compete in the Sinnoh League and faces Ash as his first opponent, but is eliminated.

Conway (コウヘイ, Kōhei)

Voiced by: Kōzō Mito (Japanese); Billy Regan (English)

A Pokémon Trainer who analyzes Trainers to formulate a strategy. He first encounters Ash during the Hearthome City Tag Battle Tournament, where he battles alongside Dawn and reaches the finals, only to be defeated by Ash and Paul. He also appears in the Sinnoh Summer Academy, where he is captain of the Blue team but loses to Ash and the Red Team. He later battles Ash in the third round of the Sinnoh League and loses.

Ursula (ウララ, Urara)

Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese); Melissa Schoenberg (English)

A Pokémon Coordinator from Sinnoh and Dawn's rival, who enters the Chocovine Contest at the same time as her. During the Sinnoh Grand Festival, she loses to Dawn and is eliminated.

Trip (シューティー, Shūtī, Shooty)

Voiced by: Akeno Watanabe (Japanese); Jamie McGonnigal (English)

A Pokémon Trainer who appears in the Black and White series. He aims to compete in the Champion League and defeat Alder, the Unova Champion. In addition to being a Trainer, he is also an amateur Pokémon photographer. Trip believes in strength when training, but after repeated defeats, changes his views.

Bianca (ベル, Beru, Bel)

Voiced by: Shizuka Itō (Japanese); Erica Schroeder (English)

A Pokémon Trainer who appears in the Black and White series. She encounters Ash and his companions throughout their travels and Ash later battles her father, who is overprotective and does not want her to travel. Although Ash loses, he agrees to let Bianca continue her journey.

Burgundy (カベルネ, Kaberune, Cabernet)

Voiced by: Ikumi Hayama (Japanese); Suzy Myers (English)

A Pokémon Connoisseur and Cilan's rival.

Georgia (ラングレー, Rangurē, Langley)

Voiced by: Misato Fukuen (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)

A Pokémon Trainer and Iris's rival. She calls herself a Dragon Buster, someone who specializes in defeating Dragon-type Pokémon.

Stephan (ケニヤン, Keniyan, Kenyan)

Voiced by: Tomohiro Waki (Japanese); Darren Dunstan (English)

A Pokémon Trainer whom Ash meets on the way to Nimbasa City. He later participates in the Unova League, where he makes it to the Top 16.

Cameron (コテツ, Kotetsu)

Voiced by: Kōki Uchiyama (Japanese); Rory Max Kaplan (English)

Ash's rival in Unova. He later participates in the Unova League, where he defeats Bianca and later Ash during the Top 8, but is ultimately defeated by Virgil in the Top 4.

Virgil (バージル, Bājiru, Virgil)

Voiced by: Yūki Kaji (Japanese); Tom Wayland (English)

A rescue worker along with his father Jeff and his brother Davey, who saves Ash and his group after they fall while trying to climb to Vertress City, where Ash participates in the Unova League. He also reveals that he is entering the League, which he ultimately wins.

Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna (ティエルノ, トロバ, and サナ, Tieruno, Toroba, and Sana)

Voiced by: Anri Katsu (Tierno), Minami Fujii (Trevor), Yurie Kobori (Shauna) (Japanese); Todd Haberkorn (Tierno), Michael Lockwood Crouch (Trevor), Jo Armeniox (Shauna) (English)

A trio of Trainers who Ash and his friends meet at a Pokémon Summer Camp. Tierno is an aspiring dancer, Trevor is an avid photographer, and Shauna is a Performer who partakes in Pokémon Showcases, acting as Serena's rival. Tierno and Trevor later compete in the Lumiose Conference, but both lose before making it to the final round.

Sawyer (ショータ, Shōta)

Voiced by: Ikue Ōtani (Japanese); Robby Duncan Sharpe (English)

A Pokémon Trainer from Hoenn who appears in Pokémon the Series: XY. He first appears as an inexperienced Trainer who idolizes Steven Stone, and through repeated battles with Ash, grows to become significantly more adept at battling. He eventually battles Ash for a final time in the Lumiose Conference, where he is defeated.

Miette (ミルフィ, Mirufi, Millefeui)

Voiced by: Saori Hayashi (season 17) (Japanese); Kei Shindō (seasons 18–19)(Japanese) (English)

Miette is Serena's rival. She meets Ash and his friends when her Slurpuff eats one of Serena's PokePuffs. When she reveals they were not good, she and Serena begin a rivalry. During her time with the group, Miette soon realizes Serena's true feelings for Ash and warns her that if she does not confess her feelings, then she will admit her feelings and take Ash for herself. Miette later participates in the Master Class Showcase, but is defeated by Serena.

Nini (ネネ, Nene)

Voiced by: Motoko Kumai (Japanese) (Japanese); Jenny Emm (English) (English)

A Pokémon performer who becomes Serena's rival after they show each other the performances they intend to show at the Showcase. She later participates in the Master Class Showcase, but loses to Jessie in the first round.

Alain (アラン, Aran, Alan)

Voiced by: Kenshō Ono (Japanese); Jonathan Silver (English)

A Pokémon Trainer who is one of Ash's rivals in Kalos. He is a former assistant of Professor Sycamore, but left him prior to the events of the series. He has a close bond with his Charizard and directly aids Lysandre with his goals. During his travels, Alain meets a girl named Mairin, who he comes to care for and blames himself for her Chespin, Chespie, falling into a coma. After his encounters with Ash, Alain begins to enjoy battling and challenges the Gyms to eventually face Ash in the Lumiose Conference, where Ash loses. After Lysandre unleashes Zygarde on Lumiose, Alain defects from him and helps Ash defeat him. He later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight and battles Leon in the first round, but loses to him. He is also the protagonist of the Pokemon XY Special special episodes.

Gladion (グラジオ, Gurajio, Glazio)

Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto (Japanese); Eddy Lee (English)

Ash's rival in Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon. He is partnered with Silvally, whom he stole from Faba. He is Lillie's older brother and is highly protective of her. Believing that his mother, Lusamine, knows of the incident that caused her trauma, he distances himself from his family. After helping Ash and his classmates defeat Faba and Lusamine, Gladion opens up to them more and aids them as a member of the Ultra Guardians. Gladion later fights Ash in a final battle in the Alola League, but loses. He later leaves with his family to search for his missing father, Mohn, whom they eventually find in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Hau (ハウ, Hau)

Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (Japanese); Neo Cihi (English)

One of Ash's rivals in Alola and Hala's grandson, who participates in the Alola League.

Horacio (ハヤテ, Hayate)

Voiced by: Nozomu Sasaki (Japanese); Sam Black (English)

Sophocles's rival. He is arrogant and condescending, believing that his Charjabug's top-class equipment and Speed-increasing nature would allow him to win the race with ease, and mocks his Charjabug for being weaker.

Horace (トキオ, Tokio)

Voiced by: Ayahi Takagaki (Japanese); Jenny Yokobori (English)

Goh's childhood friend and a member of Project Mew. Three years prior to the events of Journeys, Horace met Goh while searching for Celebi, but they were scared off by wild Pokémon while searching for it. They decided to try again the next day, but Horace fell ill and was unable to come, causing Goh to hold a grudge against him, with Horace writing a letter to Goh as an apology. After they meet again, they make amends with each other. Horace later joins Project Mew, participating in missions with Goh in order to encounter Mew.

Gym Leaders and Island Kahunas

Drake (ユウジ, Yūji)

Voiced by: Kōji Yusa (Japanese); Scott Rayow (English)

Drake is the strongest trainer of the Orange Islands and the Champion of the Islands. Despite his skills as a trainer, he grew bored with being unbeatable. Eventually, Ash arrived with the four Orange Island badges which earned him the right to face Drake. Ash was eventually able to defeat Drake, making the former the new Champion of the Orange Islands.

Jasmine (ミカン, Mikan)

Voiced by: Yumi Kakazu (Japanese); Tara Sands (4Kids era), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (TPCi, Diamond and Pearl) (English)

Jasmine is the Steel-type Gym Leader from Olivine City. She initially refuses to battle Ash due to the nearby lighthouse's Ampharos being sick, requiring him to get Medicine from Cianwood City to restore its health. She battles him after this, but loses. She later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, where she visited Sunyshore City, battling Flint and losing.

Clair (イブキ, Ibuki)

Voiced by: Yuko Mita (Japanese); Megan Hollingshead (4Kids era), Eva Christensen (TPCi, Black and White) (English)

Clair is the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Blackthorn City, and the mentor of Champion Lance. After several attempts by Team Rocket to steal Pokémon, Clair battles Ash, with Ash winning. She later returned in Pokémon the Series: Black & White, where she is searching for a Shiny Druddigon. Clair captures it and returns home. She later reappears in the series, with Iris coming to visit her. She later battled Iris, losing.

Norman (センリ, Senri)

Voiced by: Jūrōta Kosugi (Japanese); Dan Green (English)

Norman is the father of May and Max, the husband of Caroline, and a Gym Leader in the Hoenn region. Ash initially goes to challenge him, but Norman denies the battle request due to Ash only having Pikachu on him. Ash later returns for a battle, which results in Norman's defeat.

Wallace (ミクリ, Mikuri)

Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese); Sean Reyes (English)

Wallace is a Top Coordinator, the highest ranking a Coordinator can achieve. He is famous and well-known, and also acted as the Champion of Hoenn. It is later revealed he lost his Championship title, with Steven Stone taking over as Champion. He later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he challenges Ash to a battle. Ash defeats him, but the battle causes him and Goh to miss Chloe's contest.

Volkner (デンジ, Denji)

Voiced by: Hirofumi Nojima; Daisuke Sakaguchi (young) (Japanese); Eli James (Diamond & Pearl), Griffin Puatu (Journeys) (English)

Volkner is a Gym Leader in the Sinnoh region. He is an engineer and battler who is friends with Elite Four member Flint. In his and Flint's childhood, they spent time battling poachers and gangs together. Volkner eventually became a Gym Leader, but his skill meant he rarely was challenged, leading to him growing disinterested in battles. Volkner ended up handing out Gym Badges instead of battling, but Ash convinces him to battle him. Team Rocket attacks, resulting in the delay of their Gym Battle. However, after repairs are completed, Volkner fights Ash, only to lose. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where is participating in the World Coronation Series. He battles Ash, losing once again.

Drayden (シャガ, Shaga)

Voiced by: Masaki Terasoma (Japanese); Mike Pollock (English)

Drayden is a Gym Leader in the Unova region. In a flashback, Iris and her Excadrill first encountered Drayden when he visited her hometown, Village of Dragons. Iris attempted to battle him, only to suffer a bad loss due to her arrogance. He was head of Opelucid Academy, where Iris attended. Despite Iris's inexperience, Drayden had faith in her and insisted she go on a journey. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Korrina (コルニ, Koruni, Corni)

Voiced by: Yuka Terasaki (Japanese); Lisa Ortiz (English)

Korrina is a Gym Leader in the Kalos region. She briefly travelled with Ash in order to find a Lucarionite, which would allow her Lucario to Mega Evolve. Though she succeeds, Lucario goes out of control. Korrina and Lucario eventually master Mega Evolution, and challenge Ash to a Gym Battle, which Ash wins. She later aids Ash against Team Flare. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she took part in the World Coronation Series. She battles Ash again, only to lose. Korrina later gives Ash a Mega Glove and takes Ash to Mega Island to help find a Lucarionite for Ash's Lucario.

Hala (ハラ, Hara, Hala)

Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama (Japanese); Ryan Andes (English)

Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island, who uses Fighting-types. Hala mentored Kukui and Guzma prior to the events of the series when the pair were kids. Guzma grew disillusioned and ran off vowing to become strong without Hala's teachings. Hala battled Ash during the events of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, losing.

Olivia (ライチ, Raichi, Lychee)

Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese); Marisa Kennedy (English)

Olivia is the Kahuna of Akala Island who specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. Olivia later battles Ash and loses.

Nanu (クチナシ, Kuchinashi)

Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Michael McMillan (English)

Nanu is the Kahuna of Ula'ula Island who specializes in Dark types. He was once acquainted with Giovanni, though their history is unclear. The Team Rocket Trio attempt to get a Z-Ring from Nanu, eventually succeeding, and he later battles Ash. Nanu defeats Ash in his first battle with him, but Ash succeeds in the rematch.

Hapu (ハプウ, Hapū, Hapu'u)

Voiced by: Junko Takeuchi (Japanese); Brittney Lee Hamilton (English)

Hapu is the Kahuna of Poni Island, who specializes in Ground-types. She also worked as a farmer. Her grandfather was formerly the Kahuna, but he passed away under unknown circumstances. She eventually gained the title from him during the course of the series, eventually battling Ash and losing.

Bea (サイトウ, Saitō)

Voiced by: Yoko Hikasa (Japanese); Tiana Camacho (English)

Bea is an expert fighter who is a Gym Leader in Galar. She competes in the World Coronation Series, battling Ash on multiple occasions. Bea defeated Ash at first, but after training, Ash eventually managed to defeat her. She later reappears, seen battling Leon's younger brother Hop in a training battle.

Raihan (キバナ, Kibana)

Voiced by: Tatsuhisa Suzuki (JN027-45), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (JN82-current) (Japanese); Danny Kramer (English)

Raihan is a Gym Leader from Galar. Raihan entered the World Coronation Series, where he managed to rank in the "Masters Eight"- the top eight in the tourney. He aids Leon and Ash in stopping the Darkest Day when Rose unleashes Eternatus, and later battles Ash in a World Coronation battle. Ash manages to defeat Raihan, allowing the former to enter the Masters Eight.

Antagonists

Team Rocket

Main article: Team Rocket

Team Rocket (ロケット団, Roketto-dan, Rocket Gang) is the criminal organization in the Kanto, Johto and Sevii Islands regions. Their goal is to catch all the Pokémon in the world so that their leader, Giovanni, can make an army of Pokémon and rule over the world. The most frequently appearing members of this organization are the "Team Rocket trio" of Jessie, James and Meowth. They have been described "as vital to the anime as Ash himself."

Giovanni (サカキ, Sakaki)

Voiced by: Hirotaka Suzuoki (Seasons 1–8); Kenta Miyake (Season 10+) (Japanese); Ed Paul (4Kids/TPCI); Craig Blair (Season 10; TPCI) (English)

Giovanni is the crime lord and leader of Team Rocket as well as the former Viridian City Gym Leader. He normally acts from the shadows, though he has made major appearances in Pokémon the Series: Black & White. Aside from the operations of Team Rocket, he also funded the creation of Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back. Mewtwo eventually escapes from him and he attempted to recapture the Pokémon in Mewtwo Returns—resulting in Mewtwo erasing all memories of himself from Giovanni's mind.

• Jessie, James, and Meowth (ムサシ, コジロウ and ニャース, Musashi, Kojirō, and Nyāsu)

Voiced by: Megumi Hayashibara (Jessie), Shin-ichiro Miki (James), Inuko Inuyama (Meowth) (Japanese); Rachael Lillis (4Kids); Michele Knotz (TPCI) (Jessie), Ted Lewis (up to and including episode 8; 4Kids); Eric Stuart (4Kids); Jimmy Zoppi (TPCI) (James), Matthew Sussman, Maddie Blaustein, Jimmy Zoppi (TPCI) (Meowth) (English)

Jessie, James, and Meowth are a group of Team Rocket members. They act as recurring antagonists, often coming into conflict with series protagonist Ash Ketchum in an attempt to capture his Pikachu. They primarily act as comic relief, though they have also acted as serious antagonists on several occasions. Meowth acts as the third member. He is a Meowth who is capable of communicating with human speech.

• Butch and Cassidy (コサブロウ and ヤマト, Kosaburō and Yamato)

Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Butch), Masako Katsuki (Cassidy) (Japanese); Eric Stuart (4Kids), James Carter Cathcart (Butch), Megan Hollingshead (Original series, 4Kids), Andi Whaley (Ruby and Sapphire, 4Kids), Emlyn Morinelli McFarland (Cassidy) (English)

Butch and Cassidy are an elite duo of Team Rocket operatives, often serving on important missions for their boss, Giovanni. The pair often come into conflict with Jessie and James due to the latter pair's jealousy of them. They reappear in several series, but eventually stopped appearing in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. They later reappeared in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, having apparently retired.

• Matori (マトリ, Matori)

Voiced by: Kiyomi Asai (Japanese); Emily Jenness (English)

Matori is Giovanni's secretary and the leader of Matori Matrix. Though she was initially a minor character, often appearing with Giovanni in video calls, she is later revealed to be in charge of an elite squad of Team Rocket operatives known as the Matori Matrix. In Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, she acts as the primary overseer of Team Rocket's operations in Alola.

Team Aqua and Team Magma

Team Aqua and Team Magma (アクア団・マグマ団, Akua-dan Maguma-dan, Aqua Gang and Magma Gang) are the two criminal organizations in the Hoenn Region. Team Aqua wants to raise the level of the world's oceans, while Team Magma wishes to create more land; both seek the power of the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon, respectively.

• Maxie and Archie (マツブサ and アオギリ, Matsubusa and Aogiri)

Voiced by: Keiji Fujiwara (Maxie), Masaki Aizawa (Archie) (Japanese); Marc Thompson (Maxie), Sean Schemmel (Archie) (English)

Archie is the leader of Team Aqua, while Maxie is the leader of Team Magma. Though their actions are hostile, Archie and Maxie are misguided and comes to their senses after their defeat at the hands of Ash.

Team Galactic

Team Galactic (ギンガ団, Ginga-dan, Galaxy Gang), is the criminal organization in the Sinnoh region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon that created the universe- Dialga and Palkia- so that their leader, Cyrus, can destroy the universe and create a new universe that will only be his own as an absolute god.

• Cyrus (アカギ, Akagi)

Voiced by: Kenta Miyake (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (English)

Cyrus is the leader of Team Galactic. His goal is to "create a new universe" in his own image, with himself as the God of that world. Cyrus first appears under the guise of a businessman, but his villainous affiliations are eventually revealed to the protagonists. After Dialga and Palkia are bound to the Red Chain and freed by the Lake Guardians, Cyrus steps into a portal; his ultimate fate is unknown.

• Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (マーズ, ジュピター, and サターン, Māzu, Jupitā, and Satān, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn)

Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (Mars), Chinami Nishimura (Jupiter), Akemi Okamura (Saturn) (Japanese); Lisa Ortiz (Mars), Eileen Stevens (Diamond and Pearl), Kira Buckland (Arceus Chronicles) (Jupiter), Marc Thompson (Saturn) (English)

Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are a trio of commanders who lead Team Galactic. They act as Cyrus's subordinates and are fiercely loyal. Following Cyrus's disappearance, the three are arrested, but break free and attempt to use the Legendary Pokémon Heatran to get him back. After Heatran is defeated, the three are arrested once again.

Team Plasma

Team Plasma (プラズマ団, Purazuma-dan, Plasma Gang) is the criminal organization in the Unova region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram so that their leader, Ghetsis, can rule the world.

• Ghetsis (ゲーチス・ハルモニア, Gēchisu Harumonia, G-Cis Harmonia)

Voiced by: Masaki Aizawa (Japanese); Bill Rogers (English)

Ghetsis is the leader of Team Plasma. His goal is to take control of the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram so that he can rule over the world. He is N's surrogate father figure, and attempts to use N to accomplish his goals. Despite this, Reshiram is freed from Ghetsis's control after Colress's device is destroyed, and Ghetsis is arrested.

• Colress (アクロマ, Akuroma, Achroma)

Voiced by: Hiroki Tōchi (Japanese); Eli James (English)

Colress is a scientist of Team Plasma. His goal is to discover the true way to draw out the strength of Pokémon. He uses many different devices to gain control of Pokémon, which includes a device made to control Reshiram. After the device's destruction, Colress is arrested alongside the rest of Team Plasma.

Team Flare

Team Flare (フレア団, Furea-dan, Flare Gang), is the criminal organization in the Kalos region. Their goal is to catch and control the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde so that their leader, Lysandre, can destroy the world and recreate it with peace and beauty.

• Lysandre (フラダリ, Furadari, Fleur-de-lis)

Voiced by: Hideaki Tezuka (Japanese); H.D. Quinn (English)

Lysandre is the leader of Team Flare, and the creator of Lysandre Labs. Lysandre once sought to help people and Pokémon, but decided the human race was not worth saving after seeing their selfishness firsthand. Lysandre attempts to gain control of Zygarde so he can use it to destroy the Kalos region, but after Zygarde is freed, Lysandre attempts to use the "Giant Rock" to destroy the world. He is last seen falling into Zygarde's Core Enforcer attack, and his ultimate fate is unknown.

• Xerosic (クセロシキ, Kuseroshiki, Xerosicy)

Voiced by: Tsuguo Mogami (Japanese); Abe Goldfarb (English)

Xerosic is a scientist of Team Flare. He attempts to aid Lysandre in controlling Zygarde to destroy the region, but is defeated by Clemont. Xerosic later escapes, and attempts to get his revenge, but is defeated once again by Clemont and the others. He is convinced to step away from his villainous path as he is arrested.

Team Skull

Team Skull (スカル団, Skaru-dan, Skull Gang) is the criminal organization in the Alola region. Their goal is to steal Pokémon, and they act as a threat similar to a street gang.

• Guzma (グズマ, Guzuma, Guzma)

Voiced by: Yasuyuki Kase (Japanese); Evan Maltby (English)

Guzma is the leader of Team Skull. He is known for his violent behavior and his lack of sportsmanship, resulting in unsportsmanlike conduct. Before he founded Team Skull, he was one of Melemele Kahuna Hala's students. At one point, he lost, and since then vowed to become unbeatable. He has a personal vendetta against Kukui, and partakes in the Manalo Conference to defeat the contestants and Kukui's dream. Guzma is eventually defeated, but has a change of heart after the battle.

Macro Cosmos

• Chairman Rose (ローズ, Rōzu, Rose)

Voiced by: Kenichirou Matsuda (Japanese); Barron Bass (English)

Chairman Rose is the chairman of the Macro Cosmos conglomerate. His father was killed in a mining accident in Rose's youth, and as a result seeks to prevent future problems before they can occur. He seeks to reawaken the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus to this end, but Eternatus goes out of control. Rose ends up fleeing after his defeat at the hands of Ash Ketchum.

Explorers

The Explorers (エクスプローラーズ, Explorers) are a mysterious organization after Liko, Roy, and their pendant and ancient Poké Ball, and are the Rising Volt Tacklers' archenemies. They are the main antagonists of the Horizons series.

• Gibeon (ギベオン, Gibeon)

Voiced by: Show Hayami (Japanese); David Kaye (English)

The leader of the Explorers and the overarching primary antagonist of Horizons.

• Hamber (ハンベル, Hamber)

Voiced by: Hironori Kondo (Japanese); Paul Mercier (English)

The second-in-command of the Explorers and Gibeon's advisor and assistant, whom the admins contacts throughout missions. He appears to be concerned for subordinates' safety. His partner Pokémon is a Dusknoir. Hamber used to be friends with Liko's grandmother, Diana, but the two drifted apart and are now enemies as Diana is aware of Hamber's evil intentions with the pendant.

• Amethio (アメジオ, Amethio)

Voiced by: Shun Horie (Japanese); Daman Mills (English)

An admin of the Explorers who is sent to retrieve the pendant along with his two subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Ceruledge. After failing too many times to retrieve the pendant, he gets reassigned and his mission was given to Spinel. However, he does get his mission back after reporting to Hamber about Terapagos.

• Spinel (スピネル, Spinel)

Voiced by: Makoto Furukawa (Japanese); Matthew Mercer (English)

A psychotic and intelligent admin of the Explorers who was given the mission by Gibeon to retrieve the pendant after Amethio, Onia and Zirc failed to do so too many times. Spinel appears to be a rival of Amethio as he mocks and doubts him for seeing a Shiny Rayquaza, even though Amethio did actually see it. Spinel has no problem hurting children to achieve his goals such as using his Beheeyem to brainwash Liko into giving the pendant to him.

• Sidian (オニキス, Onyx)

Voiced by: Yuki Onodera (Japanese); SungWon Cho (English)

A stoic and serious admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. His partner Pokémon is a Garganacl. Despite being a villain, Sidian is also honorable and prefers to battle fairly and often times has to keep Coral's attitude in check and not stray from their objectives.

• Coral (サンゴ, Sango)

Voiced by: Ikue Otani (Japanese); Lizzie Freeman (English)

A reckless and cheerful admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She has a Glalie as her main partner Pokémon. Coral has a sassy attitude given that she taunted Spinel for failing to retrieve the pendant and often acts reckless such as ordering her Glalie to use Self-Destruct despite Sidian's warnings not to.

• Chalce (アゲート, Agate)

Voiced by: Mimi Maihane (Japanese); Shara Kirby (English)

A reserved and calm admin of the Explorers, who first appeared as a silhouette before appearing in person after Spinel loses the pendant. She uses a Medicham as her main Pokémon. Chalce has some sense of humour but will criticize her comrades, such as Spinel, for messing up on their missions.

• Zirc (ジル, Zir)

Voiced by: Kohsuke Tanabe (Japanese); Michael Schneider (English)

A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. His partner Pokémon is a Rhydon.

• Onia (コニア, Conia)

Voiced by: Arisa Shida (Japanese); Lisa Ortiz (English)

A grunt of the Explorers and one of Amethio's subordinates. Her partner Pokémon is a Golduck.

Other antagonists

• Pokémon Hunter J (ポケモン ハンター J, Pokemon Hantā J, Pokémon Hunter J)

Voiced by: Takako Honda (Japanese); Shannon Conley (English)

J was a ruthless and cruel Pokémon hunter around Sinnoh who captured and stole Pokémon to sell them on the black market to her clients for money. She eventually helps Team Galactic capture the Lake Guardians, but her ship is struck by an attack from the Guardians, resulting in her ship sinking into the water below. Her ultimate fate is unknown.

• Faba (ザオボー, Zaobō, Sauboh)

Voiced by: Mitsuaki Madono (Japanese); Daniel J. Edwards, Ryan Nicolls, Kaiji Tang (Journeys) (English)

Faba is a member of the Aether Foundation, a charitable organization in the Alola region dedicated to wildlife conservation. Faba attempts to summon Nihilego, which captures Lusamine, Lillie's mother, and takes her to its dimension. After this, Faba reforms, and acts as an ally to the series protagonists.

• Viren (ブルガン, Burugan, Bourgain)

Voiced by: Kiyomitsu Mizuuchi (Japanese); H.D. Quinn (English)

Viren is the selfish and greedy owner of Rainbow Happy Resorts, building the resorts throughout Alola by illegal means while avoiding any punishments from the crimes he committed. He is thwarted at various points by the protagonists.

Champions and Elite Four

• Lance (ワタル, Wataru)

Voiced by: Susumu Chiba (Japanese); Wayne Grayson (English)

Lance is the Champion of both Kanto and Johto, as well as a member of the Pokémon G-Men detective organization. He first appeared in the Johto series, posing as a Team Rocket grunt, to infiltrate Team Rocket operations. With the help of Ash and his friends, Lance was able to stop Team Rocket and free the Red Gyarados from their control. He returns in the Pokemon: Advanced Generation where he aids the group in stopping Groudon and Kyogre. Lance returns once again in Journeys to compete in the World Coronation series. He battled Leon for the title of Monarch, only to fall short and finished as a runner-up. He maintained his Masters Eight position, and fought Diantha in the Masters Eight tournament, losing to her.

• Steven Stone (ツワブキ・ダイゴ, Tsuwabuki Daigo, Daigo Tsuwabuki)

Voiced by: Rintarō Nishi (season 6); Ken'ichi Suzumura (Mega Evolution Specials; seasons 18–present) (Japanese); Andrew Paull (English)

Steven is the Champion of Hoenn. In his debut appearance, he was not yet Champion, and helped Ash defeat Team Rocket and even showed Ash a training spot for his rematch against Brawly. He later reappeared in Pokémon the Series: XY, where he acts as an ally of Alain. He later helps stop the battle between Primal Groudon and Kyogre and also stop Team Flare's attempted destruction of Kalos, and takes Sawyer on as an apprentice. He later reappers in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Ash, only to lose.

• Cynthia (シロナ, Shirona)

Voiced by: Tomo Sakurai (Japanese); Emily Bauer (English)

Cynthia is the reigning Champion of the Sinnoh League. She studies archaeology and legends of the Sinnoh region. She appears many times throughout the Diamond & Pearl series where she helps Ash and his friends try to stop Team Galactic. She reappears in the Black & White series, where she aids Ash in protecting the Mythical Pokémon Meloetta. She later reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she aids Ash several times throughout the series which included stopping Team Galactic from rescuing Cyrus. She is also a member of the Masters Eight, where she defeated Iris and later considers retiring after the tournament. Her battle with Ash, which results in her loss, inspires her to continue battling in order to improve.

• Flint (オーバ, Ōba)

Voiced by: Toru Nara (Japanese); Tom Wayland (Diamond & Pearl), Daman Mills (Journeys) (English)

Flint is the Fire-type user of the Sinnoh Elite Four. At the age of 20, Flint moved out of Sunyshore City and became an Elite Four. He first encountered Ash and the crew when Ash was demanding a Gym Battle from Volkner, instead of just getting a Beacon Badge for free. Upon learning that Volkner refuses to fight, having grown tired of being undefeated, Flint decides to challenge Ash in an exhibition match and won with using his Infernape alone. He helped Ash and friends stop Team Rocket from stealing the Sunyshore Tower and later defeated Jasmine in an exhibition match. Flint battled Cynthia for the Champion title only to lose. He returned in Journeys competing in the World Coronation series and is in the Masters Eight, where Leon defeated Flint. By the time Ash reached the Masters Eight, Flint was demoted back to Ultra Class.

• Diantha (カルネ, Karune, Carnet)

Voiced by: Fumiko Orikasa (Japanese); Vanessa Gardner (English)

Diantha is the Kalos Champion and a famous actress. She appears several times throughout the series and later aids Ash in stopping Team Flare. She later appears as a member of the Masters Eight in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where she battles Lance and wins. She goes on to fight Leon, only to lose to him.

• Malva (パキラ, Pakira, Pachira)

Voiced by: Akeno Watanabe (Japanese); Samara Naeymi (English)

Malva is a member of the Kalos Elite Four as well as a Team Flare agent and journalist. She appeared at numerous points reporting on the news, and later reported in the Lumiose Conference. Alain had to fight Malva in order to battle against trainers who could Mega Evolve their Pokémon. When Team Flare attacked, Malva turned against them and aided Ash and Alain in defeating them. She later decided to go after Team Flare's leftovers.

• Leon (ダンデ, Dande)

Voiced by: Daisuke Ono (Japanese); Alejandro Saab (English)

Leon is the Galar Champion from Postwick. He is friends with Sonia, who taught him how to battle. At some point, Rose took Leon under his wing so that Leon would improve his battling which caused Leon and Sonia to go their separate career paths. At the start of the series, he is the reigning Monarch of the World Coronation Series. Leon encounters Ash several times throughout the series, alongside battling various opponents such as Lance, Raihan and Flint, and notably aids in stopping the Darkest Day and Eternatus. Leon also defeated Alain and Diantha and eventually battles Ash in the final battle of the World Coronation Series, where he eventually loses to Ash.

Professors

• Professor Samuel Oak (オーキド博士, Ōkido Yukinari-hakase, Dr. Yurinari Ōkido)

Voiced by: Unshō Ishizuka (until SM043); Kenyu Horiuchi (since SM093); Keiko Toda (child) (Japanese); Jimmy Zoppi (PUSA/DuArt), Stuart Zagnit (4Kids), Tara Sands (young; Pokémon 4ever), Mick Wingert (Current) (English)

Professor Oak is a Pokémon researcher and the grandfather of Gary Oak. He was once a competitive Trainer, and is generally considered the best in his field. As such, his role in the Pokémon games and anime is that of a mentor to young Pokémon Trainers, a source of information and an occasional plot device. Amongst other things, he is credited with inventing the Pokédex. He also hands out a Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle to beginning trainers to start their adventure in the Kanto Region. Due to waking up late, Oak gave Ash a Pikachu instead of one of the usual three, as it was the only Pokémon Oak had left. Oak frequently reappears throughout the series, and Ash often sends his Pokémon to Oak when they are not in use. Oak also occasionally reads poems about Pokémon in specific episode segments. A younger version of Oak, nicknamed Sammy, appears in Pokémon 4Ever.

• Professor Felina Ivy (ウチキド博士, Uchikido-hakase, Dr. Uchikido)

Voiced by: Keiko Han (Japanese); Kayzie Rogers (English)

Professor Ivy is the resident Pokémon professor of the Orange Islands, south of the region of Kanto. Professor Ivy is first introduced in the second season of the Pokémon anime. Ash and his friends Misty and Brock make their way to Valencia Island and meet the Professor. The unusual Pokéball that Professor Ivy discovered is dubbed the GS Ball. Brock elects to stay with Ivy, though he rejoins the group in a later season.

• Professor Augustine Sycamore (プラターヌ博士, Puratānu-hakase, Dr. Platane)

Voiced by: Hiroshi Tsuchida (Japanese); Jake Paque (English)

Professor Sycamore is a professor in the Kalos region. He researches the Mega Evolution phenomenon, and acts as a recurring character throughout the series. Alain used to work for him, and he also hosts a summer camp, which Ash and the others attend during the course of the series. Sycamore later aids Ash and his friends in stopping Team Flare and Zygarde.

• Professor Kukui (ククイ博士, Kukui-hakase, Dr. Kukui)

Voiced by: Keiichi Nakagawa (Japanese); Abe Goldfarb (English)

Professor Kukui is a Professor in the Alola region. He is a teacher at the nearby Pokémon School, acting as the teacher to Ash and his friends. Kukui also lets Ash live in his house. He has a secret alias known as the Masked Royal, a celebrity Trainer who participates in "Battle Royals." He eventually marries Burnet during the course of the series, and later has a child with her. When Ash wins the Manalo Conference, Kukui challenges him to a battle. Despite the assistance of the Legendary Pokémon Tapu Koko, Ash is able to defeat Kukui.

• Professor Burnet (バーネット博士, Bānetto-hakase, Dr. Burnet)

Voiced by: Sachi Kokuryū (Japanese); Melissa Hope (English)

Professor Burnet is a researcher who specializes in the relationship between Pokémon and other dimensions. She lives with Professor Kukui and Ash, and eventually marries Kukui during the events of the series. She is later revealed to be pregnant with her and Kukui's child, and the child, Lei, is seen in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

• Mohn (モーン, Mōn, Mohn)

Voiced by: Jirō Saitō (Japanese); Jeremy Levy (English)

Mohn was a researcher in the Alola region, working on researching the Ultra Wormhole phenomenon. He was married to Lusamine and father of Lillie and Gladion, but he one day vanished after being sucked into an Ultra Wormhole. It is revealed in Pokémon Journeys: The Series that Mohn was rescued by a Shiny Nihilego, though he was rendered amnesiac. He eventually recovered, and reunited with his family.

• Professor Cerise (サクラギ博士, Sakuragi-hakase, Dr. Sakuragi)

Voiced by: Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese); Ray Chase (English)

Professor Cerise is a professor who appears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. He is Chloe's father, and he runs a lab in the Kanto region. Ash and Goh often aid him in his research, and Goh keeps his Pokémon at Cerise's laboratory.

• Sonia (ソニア, Sonia)

Voiced by: Marina Inoue (Japanese); Brittany Cox (English)

Sonia is a young woman who was a childhood friend of Leon. She is also an apprentice of Professor Magnolia, a professor in Galar. She aids Ash and Goh in stopping the Darkest Day, after which Magnolia passes on her professor mantle to her.

Supporting characters

• Delia Ketchum (ハナコ, Hanako)

Voiced by: Masami Toyoshima (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (4Kids) Sarah Natochenny (English)

Delia Ketchum is Ash's mother. She acts as a supporting character throughout the series, often communicating with Ash via video call. She has a Mr. Mime housekeeper nicknamed Mimey (バリちゃん, Bari-chan), who helps her with chores and is also rather adept in battle.

• Nurse Joy (ジョーイ, Jōi, Joy)

Voiced by: Ayako Shiraishi (EP002-EP229); Yuriko Yamaguchi (EP245-EP488; EP517-EP656); Kikuko Inoue (Temp. Replacement from EP491-EP516); Chika Fujimura (EP659-EP795); Chinatsu Akasaki (EP802–present) (Japanese); Megan Hollingshead (Season 1–6, 23 current); Michele Knotz (Season 9–13); Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (Season 14–16); Kate Bristol (Season 17–19), Suzy Myers (season 20-22) (English)

"Joy" is the shared last name of the Joy family, in which most members are nurses. They mainly work in Pokémon Centers, but they also work in other locations. Although all of them look almost identical to each other, some do have different personalities, and a few even other occupations besides nursing. Multiple Joys are judges in Pokémon Contests. Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga author Toshihiro Ono cited her as one of his favorite characters to draw for the series, stating the reason as "because she's a girl".

• Officer Jenny (ジュンサー, Junsā, Junsar)

Voiced by: Chinami Nishimura (EP002-EP632); Chiaki Takahashi (EP663-EP795); Chiemi Ishimatsu (EP801–present) (Japanese); Lee Quick (Season 1-7); Jamie Davyous Owens (Season 8); Emlyn Morinelli McFarland (Season 9–13); Emily Bauer (Season 14–16; Season 23); Saskia Maarleveld (Season 17-19), Samantha Moon (Sun and Moon series episodes 9 to 39), Martha Harms (Sun and Moon series 70-128) (English)

"Jenny" is the shared last name of the Jenny family, in which most members are police officers and maintain the law and order in the Pokémon world and often oppose members of Team Rocket. The Japanese name, junsa (巡査), means "police officer".

• Jimmy and Marina (ケンタ and マリナ, Kenta and Marina)

Voiced by: Kenji Nojima (Jimmy), and Kazusa Murai (Marina) (Japanese); Sean Schemmel (Jimmy) and Kelly Davis (Marina) (English)

Jimmy and Marina are main characters in Pokémon Chronicles. The pair are respectively based on the male and female player characters of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Jimmy aims to become a Champion, and is often seen with a partner Typhlosion, while Marina is interested in dance routines, later being revealed to have become a Coordinator in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. The pair are old childhood friends.

• Brandon (ジンダイ, Jindai)

Voiced by: Masayuki Omoro (Japanese); Craig Blair (English)

Brandon is the head of the Battle Pyramid, one of the many battle facilities present at the Battle Frontier. The Pyramid is capable of flight, and as such, its location often changes. He is the final opponent of the Battle Frontier, and prior to Ash's challenge, had bested Paul's brother Reggie, which caused the latter to quit his career as a trainer and become a breeder. Brandon defeats Ash on his first two attempts , though Brandon loses on Ash's third try. Brandon notably owns three Legendary Pokémon: Regirock, Regice, and Registeel. He later travels to Sinnoh in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl to encounter Regigigas. After an encounter with Hunter J, Brandon elects to stay at with Regigigas to defend it. He also battles Paul, though Brandon defeats him.

• Alder (アデク, Adeku)

Voiced by: Unshō Ishizuka (Japanese); Scottie Ray (English)

Alder was the Unova Champion in Black & White series. While laidback and reckless, he does provide advice and acts as a role model to many trainers. He appears throughout the series where amongst one of his main roles was hosting the Junior World Cup Tournament, where the winner will get to face Alder. Trip won the tournament, but he lost easily to Alder. In the Pokémon Journeys: The Series, it is revealed that Iris became the new Unova Champion, confirming that Alder no longer holds the title.

• N (N(エヌ), Enu)

Voiced by: Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese); Nicholas DiMichele (English)

N can hear the inner voices of Pokémon and believes that humans are using them for their own gain. Ghetsis raised N along with Anthea and Concordia, making them believe Pokémon cannot be equals with humans unless they are released from all Poké Balls. A short time before the Black & White series N was about to be crowned King of Team Plasma in Ghetsis' plan to use N's pure-hearted desire to save Pokémon to summon Reshiram and enslave it. However, the attempt backfired, leaving Team Plasma's castle destroyed by Fusion Flare. N, along with Anthea and Concordia flee to a secluded abandoned castle, where they spend their time tending to mistreat Pokémon. N goes on to encounter Ash, which begins to change his views, and he grows to oppose Ghetsis's plans.

• Meyer (リモーネ, Rimōne, Limoone) / Blaziken Mask (バシャーモかめん, Bashāmo Kamen, Bursyamo Mask)

Voiced by: Kensuke Satō (Japanese); Tom Wayland (Season 17 and the first half of season 18 ending in "Confronting the Darkness!"), Wayne Grayson (Season 18 starting from "The Moment of Lumiose Truth!" onwards) (English)

Meyer is the father of Clemont and Bonnie and the manager of an electrical appliance store. He notably holds a secret identity as "Blaziken Mask," a superhero-like vigilante who uses a Mega Evolving Blaziken. He aids Ash first by saving his life, and then by aiding in stopping Lysandre and Zygarde.

• Mairin (マノン, Manon)

Voiced by: Mikako Komatsu (Japanese); Zoe Martin (English)

Mairin is a Pokémon trainer and companion of Alain. She owns a Chespin, nicknamed Chespie, who is put into a comatose state. She later befriends Ash and his friends, and accompanies Alain when he departs from Kalos alongside a fully restored Chespie.

• Rotom Pokédex (ロトム図鑑, Rotomu Zukan)

Voiced by: Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese); Roger Callagy (English)

Rotom Pokédex is a Pokédex given to Ash by Professor Kukui, which is possessed by a Rotom. He accompanies Ash throughout the series, often acting as a supporting character in many episodes. He is also a fan of a detective show named "Detective Laki" which is the foundation for numerous episodes in the series.

• Lusamine (ルザミーネ, Ruzamīne, Lusamine)

Voiced by: Sayaka Kinoshita (Japanese); Bobbi Hartley (English)

The mother of Lillie and Gladion, Lusamine is the leader of the Aether Foundation. She is overly affectionate towards her children, though neither are initially as fond of her. After Lusamine is fused with Nihilego and separated, the three forgive each other. She heads up the "Ultra Guardians," a group which seeks to help stops Ultra Beast attacks and send them home. She once was married to Aether Professor Mohn, who moved to Alola to commence his research on the Ultra Wormhole. She, alongside Lillie and Gladion, was on a quest to find Mohn and bring him home. Along with Gladion and Lillie, she returns to the show in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where they reunite with Mohn.

• Chloe Cerise (サクラギ・コハル, Sakuragi Koharu, Koharu Sakuragi)

Voiced by: Kana Hanazawa (Japanese); Cherami Leigh (English)

Chloe is a childhood friend of Goh. She is overly cautious and takes a realistic approach to life as she distances herself from making friends, with Goh being an exception. Throughout the series, Chloe grows to become more open, and begins to travel more, primarily alongside her partner Pokémon, an Eevee who is reluctant to evolve.

• Danika and Quillon (アサヒ and ツルギ, Asahi and Tsurugi)

Voiced by: Ryoko Shiraishi (Dana), Hiroshi Kamiya (Quillon) (Japanese); Anjali Kunapaneni (Dana), Max Mittelman (Quillon) (English)

Danika and Quillon are "Chasers" for Project Mew. The pair encounter Goh at various occasions, often aiding in Missions. They both own an Urshifu, with Danika owning a Rapid Strike form and Quillon a Single Strike form. Both later go to Faraway Island to encounter Mew alongside Horace, Goh, and Gary.

References

Manga volumes

• Ono, Toshihiro. Pokémon: Electric Pikachu Boogaloo Graphic Novel. VIZ Media LLC, April 5, 2000. ISBN 1-56931-436-5
• Ono, Toshihiro. Pokémon: Surf's Up, Pikachu Graphic Novel. VIZ Media LLC, June 2000. ISBN 1-56931-494-2