List of Pokémon anime characters facts for kids

Pokémon, known in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), is a Japanese anime TV show. It's based on the popular Pokémon video games by Nintendo. The show started airing in Japan on April 1, 1997.

For most of the series, the main character is Ash Ketchum. He's a young boy who dreams of becoming a "Pokémon Master." This often means he wants to become the strongest trainer in a certain area, called a "region." His adventures take him across many different regions, which are like large landmasses in the Pokémon world. Along the way, he meets many friends who join him, and other characters who appear often. Recently, a new main character named Liko took over. She travels the world with a group of explorers called the Rising Volt Tacklers.

In the world of Pokémon, Pokémon are like animals with special powers, known as "Types." People can catch them using special devices called "Poke Balls." Humans who catch Pokémon often become their friends and use them for many things. One big goal for trainers is the Gym Challenge. This is where a human, called a Pokémon Trainer, challenges special "Gyms" led by "Gym Leaders." If you defeat a Leader, you get a Badge. You need eight Badges to enter a big tournament. The winner of this tournament often gets to battle the region's Champion, who is the strongest trainer there. Sometimes, they battle the Elite Four, who are very strong trainers you must defeat before facing the Champion.

Other activities for trainers include Contests. These are like beauty pageants where trainers, called Coordinators, compete to earn "Ribbons." If you get enough Ribbons, you can enter a Grand Festival to find the best Coordinator. There are also many bad groups in the series. The most famous is Team Rocket, and a specific trio from this team often appears as villains throughout the show.

Main Characters and Their Journeys

Ash Ketchum: The Aspiring Pokémon Master

Voiced by: Rica Matsumoto; Hana Takeda (young, JN001) (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (4Kids); Sarah Natochenny (TPCI) (English) Ash Ketchum was the main hero of the Pokémon anime for 25 years. He is a ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer. He travels with many friends. Ash's big dream is to become a "Pokémon Master." He tries to win the Pokémon League in every region he visits. He didn't always win, but he eventually became the Champion of the Alola region. Later, he defeated Leon to become the World Champion, known as the "Monarch."

Ash's First Friends: Misty and Brock

Voiced by: Mayumi Iizuka (Japanese); Rachael Lillis (4Kids), Michele Knotz (TPCI) (English) Misty was one of Ash's first friends. She appeared in the original series. She was a Gym Leader in Cerulean City with her three older sisters. After the first series, Misty became the only Gym Leader there. She has returned to visit Ash in later series.

Voiced by: Yūji Ueda (Japanese); Eric Stuart (4Kids), Bill Rogers (TPCI) (English) Brock was the Gym Leader of Pewter City. He joined Ash for many seasons. At first, he wanted to be the best Pokémon breeder. Later, he decided he wanted to be a doctor. A funny thing about Brock is that he often falls in love with every girl he meets. Misty or Max usually pull him away, or his Pokémon, Croagunk, uses a move on him. Brock left the series after the Diamond and Pearl series but made guest appearances later.

Orange Islands Companion: Tracey Sketchit

Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki (Japanese); Ted Lewis (4Kids, TPCI (Current)), Craig Blair (TPCI, season 9) (English) Tracey Sketchit traveled with Ash in the Orange Islands. He is a Pokémon Watcher, which means he studies Pokémon in their natural homes. After their journey, he became an assistant to Professor Oak.

Hoenn Adventures: May and Max

Voiced by: Kaori Suzuki (May) and Fushigi Yamada (Max) (Japanese); Veronica Taylor (4Kids), Michele Knotz (TPCI) Amy Birnbaum (4Kids); Kayzie Rogers (TPCI) (Max) (English) May is the daughter of Gym Leader Norman and Max's older sister. She became interested in Pokémon Contests, which focus on a Pokémon's looks and appeal. May appeared again in later series. Max is May's younger brother. He joined the group on their journey in the Hoenn region.

Sinnoh Journeys: Dawn, Iris, and Cilan

Voiced by: Megumi Toyoguchi (Japanese); Emily Bauer (English) Dawn is a Pokémon Coordinator who traveled with Ash and Brock in Sinnoh. She wanted to become a Top Coordinator, just like her mother. She chose Piplup as her first Pokémon. She also returned in later series.

Voiced by: Aoi Yūki (Japanese); Eileen Stevens(Season 14-Season 24), Anairis Quiñones (Current) (English) Iris was one of Ash's friends in the Black and White series. She comes from a village that focuses on Dragon-type Pokémon. She travels with an Axew. In Pokémon Journeys, it was revealed she became the Champion of the Unova region, the strongest trainer there.

Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese); Jason Griffith (English) Cilan is a Pokémon Connoisseur. This means he can tell how well a Pokémon and its trainer get along. He traveled with Ash in the Black and White series. He was also a Gym Leader in the Unova Region. He has many hobbies, like fishing and movies. His partner Pokémon is Pansage. He often helps Ash and Iris.

Kalos Companions: Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie

Voiced by: Mayuki Makiguchi (Japanese); Haven Burton-Paschall (English) Serena is a Pokémon Performer who traveled with Ash in Pokémon the Series: XY. She met Ash when they were younger. After seeing him on TV, she decided to join his journey. She competes in Pokémon Showcases, which are like beauty pageants, to become the "Kalos Queen." At the end of the series, she kissed Ash goodbye. She returned later to encourage Chloe in a Pokémon Contest.

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 an Electric-type Gym Leader from Lumiose City. He is a young inventor who carries a big backpack with many strange gadgets, most of which explode! He traveled with Ash to become a better Gym Leader. Ash eventually defeated him in a Gym Battle. Clemont and Bonnie returned in Pokémon Journeys. Bonnie is Clemont's younger sister. She is too young to have her own Pokémon, so Clemont caught a Dedenne for her. She also became friends with a part of Zygarde, which she called "Squishy." A funny thing about Bonnie is that she often tries to find a wife for her brother.

Alola School Friends: Lana, Kiawe, Lillie, Sophocles, and Mallow

Voiced by: Hitomi Kikuchi (Japanese); Rosie Reyes (English) Lana is a student at the Pokémon School in Alola. She became friends with Ash in the Sun and Moon series. She is very good at fishing and loves Water-type Pokémon.

Voiced by: Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese); Marc Swint (English) Kiawe is the oldest and most experienced student at the Pokémon School. He was the only one among them to have a Z-Ring, which lets him use powerful "Z-Moves." He helps run a dairy farm with his parents. He specializes in Fire-type Pokémon.

Voiced by: Kei Shindō (Japanese); Laurie Hymes (English) Lillie is a student from a very rich family. She loves to study and help her friends with research. She used to be afraid to touch Pokémon because of something that happened when she was little. She eventually overcame her fears and left to find her missing father. She reunited with him in Pokémon Journeys.

Voiced by: Fumiko Takekuma (Japanese); Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (English) Sophocles is a student who specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. He is also very good with machines.

Voiced by: Reina Ueda (Japanese); Rebecca Soler (Sun & Moon); Emily Cramer (Journeys) (English) Mallow is a student who specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. She is a dedicated chef and works at her family's restaurant.

New Adventures: Goh, Liko, and Roy

Voiced by: Daiki Yamashita; Kei Shindō (young, JN001) (Japanese); Zeno Robinson (English) Goh is a Pokémon Trainer who met Ash in Pokémon Journeys. He traveled the world with Ash. His dream is to catch every Pokémon, especially the rare and Mythical Pokémon Mew. He later joined Project Mew, a group trying to find Mew.

Voiced by: Minori Suzuki (Japanese); Alejandra Reynoso (English) Liko is the main female character of the Horizons series. She is a Pokémon Trainer from Paldea. She has a mysterious pendant from her grandmother, which is actually the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos in a sleeping state. When a group called The Explorers targets her for her pendant, she joins the Rising Volt Tacklers to travel the world.

Voiced by: Yuka Terasaki (Japanese); Anjali Kunapaneni (English) Roy is the main male character of the Horizons series. He is a Pokémon Trainer from Kanto. He joins the Rising Volt Tacklers after seeing a mysterious Shiny Rayquaza.

Rising Volt Tacklers: Airship Explorers

The Rising Volt Tacklers (ライジングボルテッカーズ, Rising Volteccers) are a group of adventurers in the Horizons series. They travel the world in their airship, the Brave Olivine, to discover secrets and mysteries, especially about Pokémon.

• Friede

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

Friede is the leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers and a Pokémon professor. His partner Pokémon are a Pikachu, nicknamed Captain Pikachu, and a Charizard. Friede used to be a researcher but lost interest. He met Liko's mother, Lucca, who showed him a Pikachu that wanted to fly high. This made him excited about research again, so he formed the Rising Volt Tacklers.

• Orla

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

Orla is the team's engineer and loves machines. Her partner Pokémon are a Metagross and an Elekid. She was childhood friends with Friede. She used her skills to turn Ludlow's fishing boat into their airship, the Brave Olivine.

• Mollie

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

Mollie is the team's healing expert. Her partner Pokémon is a Chansey. She comes from a family of doctors but chose to join the Rising Volt Tacklers to help Pokémon around the world.

• Murdock

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

Murdock is the team's skilled chef. He is Dot's uncle. His partner Pokémon are a Rockruff and an Alcremie. He used to be a pastry chef and later made up with his old friend and coworker.

• Ludlow

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

Ludlow is the team's fisherman. His partner Pokémon are a Quagsire and Sharpedo. He used to be Friede's mentor and let his fishing boat become the Brave Olivine airship. He also has a secret superhero identity called Mighty G.

• Dot

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

Dot is a popular online streamer known as Nidothing (ぐるみん, Gurumin). She gives advice to new trainers. Dot spends most of her time making videos. She later became good friends with Liko and Roy and revealed her Nidothing identity to Liko. She is Murdock's niece. Her partner Pokémon are a Quaxly and Tinkatink.

Rivals: Friends and Foes in Battle

• Gary Oak

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

Gary Oak is Ash's childhood rival from Pallet Town and Professor Oak's grandson. He was arrogant at first but changed after losing a battle. After losing to Ash in the Johto League, Gary decided to become a Pokémon researcher. He later joined Project Mew, a group trying to find the Mythical Pokémon Mew.

• Ritchie

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

Ritchie is a Pokémon trainer from Kanto. He met Ash during the Indigo League and they became friends. Ritchie defeated Ash in their battle. They promised to become Pokémon Masters. Ritchie appeared again in later series.

• Drew

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

Drew is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator and May's rival. They continued their rivalry throughout the series. May eventually defeated Drew in a big contest.

• Paul

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

Paul is a strong Pokémon trainer from Sinnoh and Ash's rival. He is serious and only cares about a Pokémon's battle ability, thinking that strong bonds make them weaker. He respects strong trainers but is rude to those he thinks are weak. After a defeat, Paul started to change his attitude. He lost his final battle against Ash in the Sinnoh League. He later helped Ash train his Pokémon for a big tournament and became a Gym Leader.

• Alain

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

Alain is a trainer and one of Ash's rivals in Kalos. He used to work for Professor Sycamore. He has a strong bond with his Charizard. He helped Lysandre with his plans. Alain met a girl named Mairin and cared for her. He blamed himself when her Chespin fell into a coma. After battling Ash, Alain started to enjoy fighting. He eventually battled Ash in a big tournament, and Ash lost. Alain later helped Ash defeat Lysandre and Zygarde. He returned in Pokémon Journeys: The Series as a member of the Masters Eight, a group of top trainers.

• Gladion

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

Gladion is Ash's rival in Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon. He is Lillie's older brother and very protective of her. He stole his partner Pokémon, Silvally, from Faba. He believed his mother knew about something that hurt his sister. After helping Ash defeat Faba and his mother, Gladion became more open. He helped the group as an "Ultra Guardian." Gladion later lost to Ash in a final battle. He left with his family to find his missing father, whom they found in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Gym Leaders and Island Kahunas: Regional Champions

• Drake

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

Drake was the strongest trainer and Champion of the Orange Islands. He became bored because no one could beat him. Ash eventually arrived and defeated Drake, making Ash the new Champion of the Orange Islands.

• Jasmine

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 first refused to battle Ash because a Pokémon in her lighthouse was sick. Ash helped get medicine for it. After the Pokémon recovered, she battled Ash and lost. She later appeared in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.

• Clair

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. She is also the mentor of Champion Lance. After helping to stop Team Rocket, Clair battled Ash, and Ash won. She later appeared in Pokémon the Series: Black & White and Pokémon Journeys.

• Norman

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

Norman is May and Max's father and the Normal-type Gym Leader from Petalburg City. Ash first tried to challenge him, but Norman said Ash needed at least three Pokémon. After Ash got more badges, he returned and defeated Norman in an official Gym Battle.

• Korrina

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

Korrina is the Fighting Gym Leader from Shalour City. She briefly traveled with Ash to find a special stone for her Lucario to Mega Evolve. Her Lucario went out of control at first because they were too confident. They learned to work together, and Korrina later battled Ash in a Gym Battle, which Ash won. She helped Ash against Team Flare. She appeared again in Pokémon Journeys.

• Hala

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

Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island and Hau's grandfather. He uses Fighting-type Pokémon. He taught Kukui and Guzma when they were kids. Hala battled Ash in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon and lost.

• Bea

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

Bea is the Fighting-type Gym Leader from Stow-on-Side. She is serious in battle but can be friendly and likes sweets. She competed in the World Coronation Series, battling Ash many times. Bea defeated Ash once and tied another time. After training and getting Mega Evolution, Ash finally defeated her on their third try.

• Raihan

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

Raihan is the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Hammerlocke. He was one of the "Masters Eight," the top eight trainers in the World Coronation Series. He often uses weather to boost his Pokémon's power. Raihan battled Leon and lost. He helped Leon and Ash stop a big disaster. Ash later defeated Raihan, which allowed Ash to enter the Masters Eight.

Antagonists: The Bad Guys

Team Rocket: Always Trying to Steal Pokémon

Team Rocket (ロケット団, Roketto-dan, Rocket Gang) is a criminal group in the Kanto and Johto regions. Their main goal is to catch all the Pokémon in the world so their leader, Giovanni, can build an army and rule. The most famous members are Jessie, James, and Meowth. They are almost as important to the show as Ash himself.

• Giovanni

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 boss of Team Rocket and used to be the Viridian City Gym Leader. He usually works from the shadows. He also helped create the Pokémon Mewtwo. Mewtwo escaped from him, and Giovanni tried to recapture it, but Mewtwo made him forget everything about it.

• Jessie, James, and Meowth

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 are often the bad guys who try to steal Ash's Pikachu. They are usually funny, but sometimes they are serious villains. Meowth is special because he can talk like a human.

The Explorers: New Villains in Horizons

The Explorers (エクスプローラーズ, Explorers) are a mysterious group in the Horizons series. They are after Liko, Roy, and Liko's special pendant and old Poké Ball. They are the main bad guys for the Rising Volt Tacklers.

• Gibeon

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

Gibeon is the leader of the Explorers and the main villain of Horizons. He has a Shiny Zygarde.

• Hamber

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

Hamber is the second-in-command of the Explorers and Gibeon's helper. He seems to care about his team members. His partner Pokémon is a Dusknoir. Hamber used to be friends with Liko's grandmother, Diana, but they became enemies because Diana knows his bad plans for the pendant.

• Amethio

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

Amethio is an Explorer leader sent to get the pendant. His partner Pokémon is a Ceruledge. After failing many times, he was given a new mission, but he got his old one back after reporting about Terapagos.

• Spinel

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

Spinel is a smart Explorer leader who was given the mission to get the pendant after Amethio failed. Spinel often makes fun of Amethio. He doesn't mind hurting kids to get what he wants, like using his Beheeyem to trick Liko into giving him the pendant.

Champions and Elite Four: The Strongest Trainers

• Lance

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

Lance is the Champion of both Kanto and Johto. He is also a detective. He first appeared helping Ash stop Team Rocket. He returned in Pokémon Journeys to compete in the World Coronation Series. He battled Leon for the title of Monarch but lost. He is a member of the Masters Eight.

• Steven Stone

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. He is the son of a big company president. He helped Ash defeat Team Rocket. He later helped stop a big battle between Legendary Pokémon and helped Ash against Team Flare. He is also a member of the Masters Eight.

• Cynthia

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

Cynthia is the Champion of the Sinnoh League. She studies old legends. She often helped Ash and his friends stop Team Galactic. She also appeared in Black & White and Pokémon Journeys. She is a member of the Masters Eight and considered retiring after the tournament, but Ash's battle inspired her to keep going.

• Leon

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

Leon is the Galar Champion. He is friends with Sonia, who taught him how to battle. He was the reigning Monarch of the World Coronation Series. Leon met Ash many times and helped stop a big disaster. He defeated Alain and Diantha. He eventually battled Ash in the final battle of the World Coronation Series and lost to Ash.

Professors: Pokémon Experts

• Professor Samuel Oak

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 famous Pokémon researcher and Gary Oak's grandfather. He used to be a strong trainer. He helps young Pokémon Trainers and invented the Pokédex. He gives new trainers their first Pokémon. Because Ash woke up late, Oak gave him Pikachu instead of the usual three. Ash often sends his Pokémon to Oak's lab when he's not using them.

• Professor Kukui

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

Professor Kukui is a Professor in the Alola region. He teaches at the Pokémon School and lets Ash live in his house. He has a secret identity as the Masked Royal, a famous trainer. He married Burnet and they had a child. When Ash won the Alola League, Kukui challenged him to a battle, and Ash won.

• Professor Cerise

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

Professor Cerise is a professor who appears in Pokémon Journeys. He is Chloe's father and runs a lab in Kanto. Ash and Goh often help him with his research, and Goh keeps his Pokémon at Cerise's lab.

Supporting Characters: Friends and Helpers

• Delia Ketchum

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

Delia Ketchum is Ash's mother. She supports Ash throughout his journey and often talks to him on video calls. She has a Mr. Mime who helps her with chores and is also good in battle.

• Nurse 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)

All members of the Joy family are named "Joy" and are mostly nurses. They work in Pokémon Centers and other places. They all look very similar, but some have different personalities or jobs.

• Officer Jenny

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)

All members of the Jenny family are named "Jenny" and are police officers. They keep law and order in the Pokémon world and often stop Team Rocket.

• Chloe Cerise

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

Chloe is Goh's childhood friend. She is careful and realistic. She slowly became more open and started traveling more, especially with her partner Pokémon, an Eevee that doesn't want to evolve.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Personajes de Pokémon (anime) para niños