Ash Ketchum
Early Life
Ash Ketchum, known as Satoshi (サトシ) in Japan, is a fictional character in the Pokémon franchise owned by Nintendo. He is the main protagonist of the Pokémon Anime and certain manga series. Ash is a Pokémon trainer from the town of Pallet, located in the Kanto region.
Ash's journey as a Pokémon trainer began on his tenth birthday, when he received his first Pokémon, a Pikachu, from Professor Samuel Oak. Despite a rocky start to their relationship, Ash and Pikachu soon formed a strong bond of friendship and loyalty.
Pokémon Journey
Ash's ultimate goal is to become a Pokémon Master. To achieve this, he travels from region to region, competing in Pokémon battles in various Pokémon Gyms to win badges which qualify him to compete in the regional Pokémon Leagues. He has competed in the Pokémon Leagues of multiple regions including Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar.
Throughout his journey, Ash has caught and trained many Pokémon, each with its unique abilities and characteristics. Some of his most notable Pokémon include Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle, Kingler, Muk, Tauros, Lapras, Snorlax, Heracross, Bayleef, Quilava, Totodile, Noctowl, Donphan, Swellow, Sceptile, Corphish, Torkoal, Glalie, Staraptor, Torterra, Infernape, Buizel, Gliscor, Gible, Unfezant, Oshawott, Pignite, Snivy, Scraggy, Leavanny, Palpitoad, Boldore, Krookodile, Talonflame, Hawlucha, Noivern, Rowlet, Lycanroc, Incineroar, Melmetal, and Dragonite.
Characterization
Ash is characterized by his endless enthusiasm, determination, and his love for Pokémon. He is known for his catchphrase, "I choose you!", which he exclaims every time he releases his Pokémon from their Poké Balls. Ash is also known for his willingness to go to great lengths to earn a Pokémon's trust and respect and to understand a Pokémon that is troubled.
Despite his passion and drive, Ash is not always successful and has often faced setbacks on his journey. However, he is notable for his ability to learn from his failures and his determination to never give up, no matter the odds.
Relationships
Throughout his journey, Ash has traveled with various companions who have shared in his adventures. These include Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Lillie, Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, Sophocles, and Goh.
Ash also has a friendly rivalry with several other Pokémon trainers such as Gary Oak, Paul, Trip, Alain, Gladion, and Bea. These rivalries often serve to motivate Ash and push him to become a better Pokémon trainer.
Achievements
Ash has achieved notable success as a Pokémon trainer. He has won the Orange League and the Battle Frontier and was the runner-up in the Indigo Plateau Conference, the Silver Conference, the Lily of the Valley Conference, and the Lumiose Conference. Ash's most significant achievement to date is winning the Manalo Conference, making him the Alola region's first Champion.
In other media
In addition to the anime, Ash has appeared in various Pokémon manga adaptations, including The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Ash & Pikachu, and Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl. He is also a playable character in several Pokémon video games.