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 television series based on the Pokémon video game series published by Nintendo. It began broadcasting on TV Tokyo on April 1, 1997, in association with MediaNet (formerly TV Tokyo MediaNet and Softx) and Shopro, stands for Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (formerly Shogakukan Productions Co., Ltd.). The series follows protagonist Ash Ketchum for the majority of its run. He is a young boy who strives to become a "Pokémon Master," often seeking to become Champion- the strongest trainer of a given "region"- as a result. These travels lead through various regions, various continent-like landmasses that inhabit a wider world. On his journey, he encounters many other characters, who often appear as main characters who accompany him on his travels, or as recurring characters which reappear throughout the series. He is succeeded as main character by Liko, who accompanies a travelling band of explorers known as the Rising Volt Tacklers to travel the world.

In the world of Pokémon, Pokémon are animal-like creatures with special, elemental attributes- known as Types- which can be captured by special capture devices known as "Poke Balls." Humans who wield these Pokémon often befriend them and can use them for a variety of things. One goal is that of the Gym Challenge, which involves a human- known as a Pokémon Trainer- challenging specials "Gyms" headed by "Gym Leaders." Defeating a Leader allows a Trainer to obtain a Badge, of which eight are needed in order to register to participate in a Tournament, the winner of whom often moving on to either battle the region's Champion- the strongest Trainer in the region- or their respective Elite Four, who are strong Trainers that must be battled before the Champion.

Other avenues for Trainers include Contests, which are beauty-pageant like events where Trainers- here named Coordinators- must compete to gain "Ribbons." Those with enough Ribbons can move onto a Grand Festival, where a Top Coordinator will be determined. There are also numerous antagonistic organizations that act as villains in the series, the most prominent of which is Team Rocket, with a specific trio acting as recurring characters 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)

Ash Ketchum is the main protagonist of the Pokémon anime for the first twenty-five seasons. A ten-year-old Pokémon Trainer, he travels with many traveling companions throughout the series. Ash's dream is to become a "Pokémon Master", and as a result often attempts to defeat the Pokémon League− a competition of the strongest Trainers in a given region− in whatever region he is in. Though his attempts are typically unsuccessful, he eventually succeeded in becoming a Alola Regional Champion, and later defeated Leon to become crowned World Champion as the "Monarch."

Misty (カスミ, Kasumi)

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

Misty is one of Ash's travelling companions who first appeared in the original series. She was one of the four Gym Leaders of Cerulean City along with her three older sisters, and after the original series Misty became the sole Gym Leader of Cerulean City Gym. After her departure from the series, Misty reappeared 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)

Brock is the former Pewter City Gym Leader and a ladies' man. In his earliest appearances, Brock has dreams of being the world's best Pokémon breeder, though in later series he instead aspires to be a doctor. There is a running gag in the series where Brock falls in love with every girl he meets and is either pulled away by the ear by Misty or Max or is hit with his Croagunk's Poison Jab. Brock stayed on the series for several seasons, eventually leaving at the end of the Diamond and Pearl series. Brock had guest appearances 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 traveling companions in Orange Islands, Tracey Sketchit is a Pokémon Watcher, someone who studies Pokémon in the field similarly to bird watchers. He later becomes an assistant to Professor Oak after the end of the Orange Islands.

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)

May is the daughter of the Petalburg City Gym Leader, Norman and the older sister of Max. She takes interest in Pokémon Contests, competitions focusing on a Pokémon's appearance or appeal. May later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon Journeys: The Series. Max is May's younger brother, who acts as one of the group's travelling companions in the Hoenn-associated series.

Dawn (ヒカリ, Hikari)

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

Dawn is a Pokémon Coordinator who travels with Ash and Brock in Sinnoh. Following in her mother's footsteps as a Coordinator- a trainer who partakes in Pokémon Contests- she chooses Piplup and sets out with the goal of becoming Top Coordinator. She later reappeared 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 Black and White series. Iris hails from a village where Dragon-type Pokémon are a major focus. She notably travels with an Axew. She reappears in Pokémon Journeys series, where she is revealed to have become the Champion of the Unova region: the strongest trainer in the region. She battles Cynthia in the Masters Eight tournament, only to lose.

Cilan (デント, Dento, Dent)

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

Cilan is a Pokémon Connoisseur who has the ability to determine the compatibility between Pokémon and their trainers. He travels with Ash in Black and White series. He is one of the Gym Leaders of the Unova Region, a position he shares with his brothers Chili and Cress, but he leaves his post to join Ash and Iris on their journey. He has numerous hobbies seen throughout the series such as fishing, cinema and subway trains. He has the Grass-type Pokémon Pansage as his partner. He acts as a mentor figure to Ash and Iris. He reappears Pokémon the Series: XYZ and Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Serena (セレナ, Serena)

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

Serena is a Pokémon Performer, who acts as one of Ash's travelling companions in Pokémon the Series: XY. She met Ash in her youth, and after seeing him on TV many years later, decides to join him on his journey. She partakes in Pokémon Showcases- beauty pageant-like contests- in an attempt to become the "Kalos Queen," an honorary title for the best Performer. At the end of the series, she prepares to compete in the Pokémon Contests that occur in Hoenn. Before parting, she gives Ash a kiss. She returned in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, where she encouraged Chloe to perform at 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 an Electric-type Gym Leader from Lumiose City. He is a young inventor and always has a large backpack that contains numerous strange gadgets, most of which explode. He travels with Ash during the XY series to become a better Gym Leader. This culminates when Ash challenges and successfully defeats Clemont at the Lumiose Gym, acquiring his fifth badge in Kalos. Before Ash leaves Kalos, he asks for one final battle with Ash, and the result is not revealed to the audience. He returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series alongside Bonnie.

Bonnie is Clemont's younger sister. Bonnie, due to her youth, cannot have a Pokémon yet, and thus has Clemont catch a Dedenne for her, which acts as her partner throughout the series. She later befriended one of Zygarde's cores, which she affectionately nicknamed "Squishy" and developed a close friendship with. A running gag involves her attempt to get other women to marry her brother, though Clemont often drags Bonnie away before it gets anywhere.

Lana (スイレン, Suiren)

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

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

Kiawe (カキ, Kaki)

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

Among the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in the Sun and Moon series, Kiawe is the oldest and most experienced, being the only among them to have obtained a Z-Ring, which allows him to use "Z-Moves." He runs a dairy farm on Akala Island along with his parents. He 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)

Lillie is 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 the other students with their research, but has an inherent fear of touching any kind of Pokémon due to an incident involving Nihilego in her youth. She eventually overcomes her fears by the end of the series, and eventually departs to the world to try and find her missing father, Mohn. She later reunites with him in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Sophocles (マーマネ, Māmane)

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

Sophocles is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in 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)

Mallow is one of the students at the Pokémon School of Melemele Island who befriends Ash in Sun and Moon series. She specializes in Grass-type Pokémon. She is a dedicated chef who works at her family's restaurant.

Goh (ゴウ, Gō)

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

Goh is a Pokémon Trainer who meets Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and travels with Ash throughout the world. His dream is to catch every Pokémon to work his way up to capturing the rare and Mythical Pokémon Mew. He later ends up joining 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 was given to her by her grandmother, Diana, which is actually the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos in a dormant state. After she is targeted by the organization known as The Explorers for her pendant, she joins The Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of travelling explorers, in order 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 in the Horizons series who travel the world through their airship, the Brave Olivine, to learn secrets of mysteries and discover them, especially if they are Pokémon.

• Friede (フリード, Furīdo, Freed)

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

The commander of the Rising Volt Tacklers who is a Pokémon professor. His partner Pokémon are a Pikachu nicknamed Captain Pikachu that captains the group's airship and a Charizard. Friede used to be a researcher, but lost interest and mostly hung out on Ludlow's boat. When he met Liko's mother, Lucca, she showed him a Pikachu that wanted to soar high in the skies reigniting his researcher skills and passion. Because of this interest, he formed the Rising Volt Tacklers alongside Ludlow and Orla.

• Orla (オリオ, Orio, Orio)

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

An engineer of the team who is a machine enthusiast. Her partner Pokémon are a Metagross and an Elekid. It's revealed that she was childhood friends with Friede and they grew up together in Kanto, before she moved away to Hoenn. Orla once worked on the docks in Slateport City, Hoenn, until she met Ludlow and reunited with Friede, the latter of which asked her to use her mechanical 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 of the team. Her partner Pokémon is a Chansey. Mollie is revealed to come from a family of doctors and did pursue that career at a young age. However, rather than working in a Pokémon Center, she decided to join the Rising Volt Tacklers as to help various Pokémon around the world she came across.

• Murdock (マードック, Mādokku)

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

A chef of the team who is skilled in his craft. He is Dot's uncle. His partner Pokémon are a Rockruff and an Alcremie. Murdock used to work as a patisserie chef selling strawberry flavored cakes alongside his friend and coworker, Mitchell, who made matcha flavored cakes. However, when Murdock's Milcery evolved into Alcremie and helped further improved Murdock's skills, a rift between the two pastry chefs ensued which ended their partnership. Fortunately, Murdock did reunite and made amends with Mitchell.

• Ludlow (ランドウ, Randō, Landau)

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

A fisherman of the team. His partner Pokémon are a Quagsire and Sharpedo. Ludlow is a former mentor of Friede, who frequently hung out with Ludlow on his fishing boat. After Friede met a Pikachu, which became Captain Pikachu, Ludlow lended 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)

A popular online streamer who goes by the alias Nidothing (ぐるみん, Gurumin). As an influencer, she acts perky and uses exaggerated methods as well as providing advice to beginner trainers. Dot spends most of her time in her quarters making videos, though she got to know Liko and Roy more as well as reveal her Nidothing persona to Liko. She is Murdock's niece. Her partner Pokémon are a Quaxly and 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)

Gary Oak is Ash's childhood rival. Gary hails from Pallet Town and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Like Ash, Gary collects Gym Badges and competes in Pokémon League tournaments in Kanto and Johto. At first, Gary is arrogant, but after losing to a more powerful opponent in the Indigo League, Gary experiences a change of heart. After losing to Ash in the Johto League, Gary decides to pursue a career in Pokémon research, ending his rivalry with Ash. Gary eventually 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 the Mythical Pokémon Mew.

• Ritchie (ヒロシ, Hiroshi)

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

Ritchie is a traveling Pokémon trainer from the Kanto region. Ritchie first appears during the Indigo League, where he meets and forms a friendship with Ash. Ritchie defeats Ash, but then loses his next match. Afterward, Ash and Ritchie 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)

Drew is an experienced Pokémon Coordinator who acts as May's rival. May and Drew continue their rivalry throughout the series, but May eventually manages to defeat Drew at the Indigo League Grand Festival. At the end of Pokémon: Battle Frontier, he heads towards to Johto to compete in more contests along with May and Harley, another coordinator.

• Harley (ハーリー, Hārī, Harley)

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

Arrogant, flamboyant and proud, Harley is a Pokémon Coordinator and May's sinister rival. During their first meeting, Harley takes May's unwitting comments as insults to his abilities and he takes an instant dislike to her. Since then, Harley takes every opportunity to sabotage May before her contests.

• Morrison (マサムネ, Masamune)

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

Morrison is Ash's rival in the Hoenn region, and is a spirited person who likes to challenge other people to almost everything and never gives up in battle. Owing to this, he always challenges Ash to various events such as Pokémon battles or even a food eating contest.

• Paul (シンジ, Shinji)

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

Paul is a roaming Pokémon trainer from Veilstone City in Sinnoh. As a Pokémon Trainer, Paul is experienced and has traveled across the regional areas of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, much like Ash. During Diamond and Pearl series, he begins to travel through Sinnoh, where he meets and develops a rivalry with Ash. Paul is a grumpy and serious trainer whose only concern towards Pokémon is their ability to act in battle, believing that forming bonds with Pokémon dilutes their potential. He shows respect for strong trainers, such as Champion Cynthia, but he never respects Trainers who he deems weak, and sometimes openly shows rudeness to others in battle. After a defeat and getting scolded by Pyramid King Brandon, Paul was forced to fix his attitude as well as understand that strength was not everything. He ultimately loses his final battle against Ash in the Sinnoh League. He later reunites with Ash in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he helps train Ash's Pokémon for the Masters Eight tournament, and it is revealed he has become a Gym Leader as well as mellowing out most of his poor attitude.

• Zoey (ノゾミ, Nozomi)

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

Zoey is an experienced Pokémon coordinator from Snowpoint City in Sinnoh and Dawn's rival. She often gives out helpful advice and helps out in certain situations to Dawn. Zoey is initially disdainful of those who participate in both Gym battles and contests because she believes that trainers who divide their efforts do not full-heartedly compete in both disciplines. However, she changes her outlook as she meets trainers who are able to successfully manage both while respecting the hard work required. Zoey competes against Dawn in Pokémon Contests, and eventually defeats Dawn in the Grand Festival.

• Kenny (ケンゴ, Kengo)

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

Kenny is one of Dawn's childhood friends and a rival. He frequently calls her by her nickname, "Dee Dee" (ピカリ, Pikari), a nickname from their childhood that Dawn actively 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 with the outcome determining who Dawn would travel with. Though he wins the battle, Dawn leaves him a note stating that she wishes to remain travelling with Ash.

• Barry (ジュン, Jun)

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

Barry is Ash's rival in Sinnoh. He is an impatient and overconfident boy who, while competent and skilled, tends to lose most of his battles against Ash. He is an admirer of Paul and uses the same technique though he cares for his Pokémon. He dreams of being the strongest Pokémon trainer in the world. 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 talented Pokémon trainer and wandering minstrel, Nando is a calm young man deeply conflicted as to whether he should challenge gyms or become a Pokémon Coordinator. After battling both Ash and Dawn, he chooses to pursue both paths, regardless of the difficulty. By the time of the Sinnoh Grand Festival, he has acquired seven Gym Badges and five Contest Ribbons. In the Grand Festival, he is able to reach the Top 4, losing to Zoey. After the Grand Festival, he obtains the necessary badges to compete in the Sinnoh League; he is Ash's first opponent but is eliminated after putting up a good battle. Nando makes his debut appearance in "Dawn of a New Era!". He is usually seen playing his golden Mew harp. The harp has often been shown to attract large groups of wild Pokémon.

• Conway (コウヘイ, Kōhei)

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

Conway is a particularly smart and cunning trainer, who carefully studies and analyzes trainers to create a strategy. He first encounters Ash during the Hearthome City Tag Battle Tournament, where he battles alongside Dawn and makes their way to the finals, only to be defeated by Ash and Paul. He also appeared in the Sinnoh Summer Academy where he was captain of the Blue team only for his team to lose to Ash and the Red Team. He later battles Ash in the third round of the Sinnoh League where he loses. A common gag of Conway is that he appears out of nowhere in a creepy manner, of which Dawn is usually the victim.

• Ursula (ウララ, Urara)

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

One of Dawn's rivals, Ursula is a Coordinator from the Sinnoh region who enters the Chocovine Contest at the same time as Dawn. During the Sinnoh Grand Festival, she loses to Dawn and is eliminated from the contest, unable to make it into the Top 16.

• Trip (シューティー, Shūtī, Shooty)

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

Trip is a trainer taking the Unova League challenge who appears in the Black and White series and whose ultimate ambition is to compete in the Champion League and defeat Alder, the Unova champion. In addition to being a Pokémon Trainer, he is also an amateur Pokémon photographer. Trip believes in strength when training, but after repeated defeats, eventually changes his views.

• Bianca (ベル, Beru, Bel)

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

Bianca is a trainer who appears in the Black and White series. She encounters Ash and his companions several times throughout the series which usually ends with a battle between herself and Ash. She is also shown to be excitable and clumsy. At one point, Ash ends up battling her father, who is overprotective and does not wish for her to stay on the road. Though Ash loses, Bianca's father agrees to let Bianca continue her journey.

• Burgundy (カベルネ, Kaberune, Cabernet)

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

Burgundy is a Pokémon Connoisseur and Cilan's rival. She participated in the Club Battle, Clubsplosion, and Junior Cup tournaments with the group, held in Nimbasa Town, Ambiga Town and Lacunosa Town respectively, but loses in round one in all of them. She also tried to help a millionaire's daughter find a perfect Pokémon partner, but ends up being rejected as she was a C-Class Connoisseur.

• Georgia (ラングレー, Rangurē, Langley)

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

Georgia is a trainer and Iris's rival who calls herself a Dragon Buster, someone who specializes in defeating Dragon-type Pokémon. Georgia participates in the Club Battle, Clubsplosion, and Junior Cup tournaments. She is initially hostile but later become a bit nicer to Iris during the Ferroseed Research Center crisis. Georgia cameoed in Journeys watching Iris' match against Cynthia.

• Stephan (ケニヤン, Keniyan, Kenyan)

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

Stephan is a trainer whom Ash meets on the way to Nimbasa City. He participates in the Unova League, where he makes it to the Top 16. A recurring gag is where everyone keeps mispronouncing his name causing Stephan to correct them until the Unova League where they pronounce his name correctly.

• Cameron (コテツ, Kotetsu)

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

Cameron is a rival of Ash's. He's very disorganized such as thinking he needs seven Gym badges to enter the Unova League. Cameron participates in the Unova League alongside, he defeats Bianca and during the Top 8 manages to defeat Ash despite being one Pokémon short but is subsequently defeated by Virgil in the Top 4.

• Virgil (バージル, Bājiru, Virgil)

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

Virgil is a rescue worker with his father Jeff and his brother Davey. He saves Ash and his group when they fall off a bunch of rocks while trying to climb up to get to Vertress City, where Ash participates in the Unova League. After solving things at the dam, Virgil reveals he also entering the Unova League, making him one of Ash's rivals. He eventually wins the Unova League. Although Virgil won the League, it can be assumed that he did not succeed in becoming Unova Champion as Iris replaced Alder as Unova Champion in Journeys.

• 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)

Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna are a trio of trainers 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 a rival of Serena. 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)

Sawyer is a trainer from the Hoenn region 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 one last time in the Lumiose Conference, though he is defeated by Ash. He later aids Steven following this.

• 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 soon start a rivalry with each other. 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 own feelings and take Ash for herself. Miette later participated in the Master Class Showcase but is defeated by Serena.

• Nini (ネネ, Nene)

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

Nini is a polite person and a confident Performer, aiming for the top. Serena and Nini show each other the performances they intend to show at the Showcase and become a rival to Serena. Nini 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)

Alain is a trainer who acts as one of Ash's rivals in Kalos. He is a former assistant of Professor Sycamore, but left his side a long time prior to 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. However, her Chespin, Chespie, falls into a coma, which Alain blames himself for. After his encounters with Ash, Alain begins to enjoy battling, and defeats all of Kalos's Gyms in order to confront Ash in the Lumiose Conference. The pair engage in a final battle, resulting in Ash's loss. Lysandre unleashes Zygarde on Lumiose, but Alain defects from him and helps Ash in taking down Lysandre and Zygarde. He later returns in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, where he is a member of the Masters Eight. He battles Leon in the first round, but loses to him.

• Gladion (グラジオ, Gurajio, Glazio)

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 highly protective of her. He is partnered with Silvally, whom he stole from Faba. Believing his mother, Lusamine, to be aware of the incident that caused his sister deep 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 the group as a member of the "Ultra Guardians." Gladion later fights Ash in a final battle, only to lose. 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)

Hau is one of Ash's rival and Hala's grandson who participated in Alola league. He once fought Hala but lost and left Alola sometime prior to the series. Hau returned to do his Island Challenges and encountered Ash for the first time. While Ash lost the battle the first time due to Ash dropping his Z-Crystal, he was able to defeat Hau and execute the Z-move in the rematch. Hau later faces Ash again at the Alola League but lost.

• Horacio (ハヤテ, Hayate)

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

Horacio is Sophocles's rival, he was arrogant and condescending, believing that his Charjabug's top-class equipment and Speed-increasing nature would allow him to win the race with ease. He was also a bad sport, mocking Sophocles and the latter's Charjabug. Thankfully, Horacio mellowed out most of his poor attitude and even congratulated Sophocles on winning the Vikavolt race.

• Horace (トキオ, Tokio)

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

Horace is a childhood friend of Goh as well as a member of the Project Mew mission. Three years prior to the events of Journeys, Horace first met Goh while searching for Celebi. Both of them searched for Celebi only to be scared off by wild Pokémon. The pair decided to try against the next day, but Horace fell ill and was unable to come, causing Goh to hold a grudge against him. Horace wrote a letter to Goh, hoping to undo his mistake. When the two met again, they both made amends with each other. Horace later joined Project Mew, participating in missions with Goh in order to encounter the elusive Mythical Pokémon, 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 also recommended to Ash to challenge the Gym there as well. After Ash and co. returned and her Ampharos recovered, she battles him but loses. She later reappears in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, where she visited Sunyshore City studying contests battles to improve her skills and lost her exhibition battle against Flint. She also advised Dawn to follow her instincts before returning home to Olivine City.

• 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 as well as preventing the Holy Dragon Land from being destroyed, 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, who ends up losing the match.

• 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 the Normal-type Gym Leader from Petalburg City. Ash initially goes to challenge him, but Norman denies the battle request due to Ash only having Pikachu on him and his Gym challenge requires trainers to have at least three Pokémon on hand. After defeating four Hoenn Gym Leaders, Ash and friends returned to Petalburg City in time to help celebrate Norman and Caroline's wedding anniversary. Later, Ash defeated Norman in an official Gym Battle.

• 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, from Sootopolis City. He is famous and well-known, and also acted as the Champion of Hoenn. He first appeared in the series hosting the Wallace Cup in Sinnoh, where the winner will receive the Aqua Ribbon which grants the coordinator access to any Grand Festival regardless of region. As revealed in Mega Evolutions Special II, Steven Stone became Hoenn Champion confirming that Wallace no longer holds the title. 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 the Electric Gym Leader from Sunyshore City. He is an electronic 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 after his exhibition match against Flint. 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 he 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 the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Opelucid City. 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. Ash originally planned on heading to Opelucid Gym for his final Badge, but because Drayden was away, Ash went elsewhere. Drayden is also head of Opelucid Academy, where Iris attended. Despite Iris's inexperience and struggles, Drayden had faith in her and insisted she go on a journey. He reappears in Pokémon Journeys: The Series where he watched Iris' matches against Ash and later Cynthia.

• Korrina (コルニ, Koruni, Corni)

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

Korrina is the Fighting Gym Leader from Shalour City. 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 and attacks its allies due to Korrina and her Lucario being overconfident and failing to understand each other. The two had to go to Pomace Mountain and learn how to be in sync with each other. 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 provides Ash a Key Stone and helped him head to Mega Island to search for a Lucarionite for his Lucario. She later watched Ash's match against Bea and Leon.

• Hala (ハラ, Hara, Hala)

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

Hala is the Kahuna of Melemele Island, who uses Fighting-types as well as the grandfather of Hau. 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. It's also revealed that Tapu Koko took one of Hala's Z-rings to give to Ash as to inspire him to compete in Island Trials. Hala battled Ash during the events of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, losing. He has appeared frequently since then such as welcoming Lillie and her family back from their trip.

• 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. She was introduced in the series to take the class to Akala island for a field trip and hosts scavenger hunts and search for Olivia later battles Ash and loses. She also appears frequently throughout the series such as advising Ash to travel the world and expand his skills following his Alola League victory.

• 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. Sometime after training, Ash succeeds in the rematch despite being forced to use only his Lycanroc against all three of Nanu's Pokémon.

• 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. After bonding with the Alola gang, 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 the Fighting-type Gym Leader from Stow-on-Side. While she is stern and serious in battle, she does occasionally have a friendly personality and enjoys sweets. She competes in the World Coronation Series, battling Ash on multiple occasions. Bea defeated Ash the first time, then later tied with Ash at Chuck's Gym. However, after training and obtaining Mega Evolution, Ash eventually managed to defeat her on the third try. She later reappears a few times such as watching Ash Gignatamax his Gengar with Allister's help and 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 the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Hammerlocke. Raihan entered the World Coronation Series, where he managed to rank in the "Masters Eight"- the top eight in the tourney. He primarily uses weather manipulation as to boost his team’s powers and give himself an advantage. Raihan was introduced in the show where he battled Leon and lost. 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

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. He's shown to have a Shiny Zygarde.

• 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. She also often acts reckless and throws temper tantrums such as ordering her Glalie to use Self-Destruct despite Sidian's warnings not to, and later freeze everyone at Patisserie Soapberry after failing to bake a cake, which caused her to be kicked out by Gym Leader Katy.

• 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 finish 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 and the son of the president of Devon Corporation from Mossdeep City. In his debut appearance, he was not yet Champion, and helped Ash defeat Team Rocket while searching for a Fire Stone at Granite Cave. Before leaving, Steven showed Ash a deserted inlet for Ash to train 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. He later helps stop Team Flare's attempted destruction of Kalos, and takes Sawyer on as an apprentice. It's also confirmed that Steven gave Sawyer a Key Stone and Sceptilite, which enables him to Mega Evolve his Sceptile. He later reappears 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. As a child, her starter was confirmed to be Gible which later became Garchomp. Cynthia also once pursued winning with the strongest Pokémon but stopped after realizing she was only hurting them. 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 further improve herself.

• 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. Flint spent his childhood, alongside Volkner, facing off against street hoodlums. 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, which reinvigorated Volkner to accept Gym challenges again. He helped Ash and friends stop Team Rocket from stealing the Sunyshore Tower. Flint later watched Ash's victory against Volkner. The next day, Flint met Jasmine, the Gym Leader of Olivine City, and defeated her Steelix in an exhibition match. Eventually, he went to battle Cynthia for the Champion title only to lose to her. He returned in Journeys competing in the World Coronation series and is in the Masters Eight, only to lose to Leon easily. However, 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. When she was a little girl, Diantha attended one of Professor Sycamore's Summer Camp programs as shown on her group portrait in the camp's hall of fame, next to Ash's. She appears several times throughout the series where her roles include battling Ash a couple times, hosting the Kalos League 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. Diantha always remains calm in battle unless someone can put up a huge fight against her. She also has a sweet tooth as she enjoys sampling desserts when visiting new towns. Like many Champions, Elite Fours and Gym Leaders, Diantha does see a lot of potential in Ash.

• 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 off of 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.

See also

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