List of Pokémon characters

This is a list of characters in the Pokémon games, anime, and manga. Save for notable specific Pokémon, the specific species of Pokémon are not listed here; they are instead detailed further at List of Pokémon.

Note that this list includes characters from all of the various incarnations of the Pokémon franchise. This includes characters from a number of discrete, similar-but-separate continuities, including but not limited to the video game continuity, the anime continuity, the Pokémon Adventures continuity, the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga continuity, and the Magical Pokémon Journey manga continuity. The anime continuity and most of the manga continuities are based to varying degrees on the games, but they all diverge at key points. A single character may appear in multiple continuities, sometimes in the same basic role (e.g. Giovanni), sometimes in very different roles (e.g. Brock).

All references to the "video games" collectively refer to Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokemon: Green, Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Emerald, Pokemon Diamond, and Pokemon Pearl only, unless noted otherwise.

Likewise, references to the Pokémon anime also include, in addition to the eponymous anime itself, the related sidestory Pokémon Chronicles anime, the game Pokémon Channel, and Ash & Pikachu manga unless otherwise noted.

Main characters

Protagonists

The various heroes of the Pokémon franchise.

In the video games

File:FR-LG-WB Pokémon Trainers.png

The male and female protagonists from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

The protagonist of the video games can be renamed by the player, but each has an array of default names. As the anime and the various manga are, to differing degrees, based on the games, other Pokémon protagonists (or supporting characters) are often named after and share many characteristics with the game protagonists.

• The (male) protagonist of Pokémon Red, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen — This character, under the name of Red, also appears in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as an optional, high-level boss battle.
  Ash Ketchum or Red in Pokémon Adventures are both based on this protagonist.

• The female protagonist of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen — The design of the female protagonist is based on Green (Blue in Japan) from Pokémon Adventures, who was in turn based on the Lass generic opponent and concept art for a female protagonist (they were unable to implement it) of the original Red, Green, and Blue games. If a name is not chosen for her, the game will give you a few random names to choose from, such as Momo, Fire, Green, Red, and Rey. Internal game data not accessible by the player identifies her as Leaf, her name may possibly be Ashley

• The protagonist of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal — This protagonist (and the female version of this protagonist, introduced in Pokémon Crystal) are the inspiration for Jimmy and Marina, the heroes of "The Legend of Thunder", the multipart episode at the beginning of Pokémon Chronicles.
  The male protagonist also inspired Gold of Pokémon Adventures, while the female protagonist inspired Crystal in the same series. The default names are Gold and Kris.

• The protagonist of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald — This protagonist and rival pair are known as Brendan and May, because of their default names as the rival (If the player chooses a male protagonist, the rival is female and named May, and if the player chooses a female protagonist, the rival is male and named Brendan).
  May inspired May in the Pokémon anime. Brendan and May also inspired Ruby and Sapphire in Pokémon Adventures.

• The protagonist of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl — Lucas is the male, and Dawn is the female. Lucas has yet to be appear in the anime but is the base for Dia from the manga, while Dawn inspired the Dawn from the Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl anime and (Ms.) Berlitz from the manga.

• Wes — Wes (whose name can be changed) is the protagonist of Pokémon Colosseum. He stole a Snag Machine from Team Snagem, and teamed up with Rui to rescue the Shadow Pokémon from Team Snagem and Team Cipher.

• Michael — Michael (whose name can be changed) is the protagonist of Pokemon XD.

• Lucy Fleetfoot — The Pokémon Trozei Adventure Mode protagonist. She is a secret agent from the Secret Operations League (SOL), and is assigned a number of missions to recover stolen Pokémon from the Phobos Battalion.

• The protagonist of Pokémon Ranger — Can be either male or female. The protagonist the player doesn't choose becomes a companion for the player throughout the game. The male character is named Lunick and is always paired with Minun while the female character is named Solana and is always paired with Plusle.

Anime and manga protagonists

[[Image:Kantogroup.jpg|right|thumb|The main cast in [[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon: Advance Generation

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Pictured from left to right: Brock, May, Max, Misty, Ash, and Pikachu.]]

• Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) — Ash Ketchum is the main character of the main anime series, and Ash is one of the default names in the various Pokémon video games (his Japanese name, Satoshi, is named after Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of the Pokémon games). Ash aspires to be a Pokémon Master, and together with the various friends and Pokémon that travel with him, embarks on many adventures. In a similar fashion to the game, Ash enters various Pokémon League competitions. Ash has made cameo appearances in Pokémon Chronicles, and is referred to frequently.

• Pikachu — A little yellow mouse-like creature with a lightning bolt tail and the ability to create an electrical jolt from its cheeks. It is the Pokémon that Ash receives from Professor Oak to start his journey, and stays with Ash for the entirety of the Pokémon anime. Other Pikachu appear elsewhere, but this particular Pikachu never appears without Ash (if only a cameo appearance by Ash).
  Other Pikachu of note include Richie's Pikachu Sparky, the Surfing Pikachu seen in a first-season episode (which drew popular controversy and the Surfing Pikachu rumors to the fans of the game) and the Pikachu owned by the protagonist of Pokémon Yellow.

• Red — Red is the initial protagonist of Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special in Japan). Red teams up with Green and Blue to battle the corrupt Gym Leaders and Team Rocket, and later helps battle Mask of Ice.He started with a Bulbasuar.

• Gold — Gold is the initial protagonist of the issues of Pokémon Adventures (Special) that are based off the second generation of games, Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. He is one of the few Pokédex holders that does not initially know his specialty with Pokémon, and it is this that disconcerts him until his battle against Neo Team Rocket and Mask of Ice.He started with Pichu.

• Ruby — One of two protagonists in the issues of Pokémon Adventures (Special) based off of the third generation of games, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Ruby is a boy whose goal is to be the top Pokémon Coordinator by winning all the contests in Hoenn. He seems to have no interest in Pokemon battles, and is oddly enough, the son of Petalburg City Gym Leader, Norman. However, there is a hidden reason for this, and soon he shows his other side again, battling alongside Sapphire to face Groudon and Kyogre.

• Sapphire — One of two protagonists in the issues of Pokémon Adventures (Special) based off of the third generation of games, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Sapphire is a girl who lives for Pokémon battle whose goal is to conquer all the gyms in Hoenn. When she first appears, she is wearing little more than a grass shirt and skirt. When she meets Ruby, he makes her a set of clothing for her to wear. Her father is Professor Birch, and in a similar vein, she shows no interest in Pokémon Research.

• Emerald — A boy who is the main character of the issues of Pokémon Adventures (Special) based specifically on the Battle Frontier of Pokémon Emerald. He mysteriously appeared at the Battle Frontier, transported by Latias and Latios. He abhors capturing Pokémon, but still competes in the Battle Frontier's opening ceremonies by using Pokémon he has befriended at the Frontier or those supplied to him by Crystal (appeared in the GSC series of Pokemon Adventures (Special) as one of the main characters) who has captured every Pokémon.

• Hazel — (called Maron in the Japanese series) is the main character of Magical Pokémon Journey. She's a bubble-headed blonde who's madly in love with her friend Almond, and adores cute Pokémon such as Pikachu and Clefairy. As a child, she was an irrepressible tomboy who enjoyed playing pranks on her friend Almond; now that she's older, she's still quite hyper, but in a more girlish way.

• Haruka — She is the star of the sequel series to Magical Pokémon Journey, Pokémon Chamo Chamo Pretty. Her goal is to be a Pokémon Coordinator and is helped out by her Torchic.

• Akai Isamu — (nicknamed Red) He is the protagonist of the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga. Professor Oak gives him a Pokédex so that he can collect as much data on Pokemon as possible. His starter is a rude Clefairy who gets him into more trouble than he bargained for.

• Shuu — In his series, Pokemon Getto Da Ze, he goes on amusing misadventures with his Pikachu, whom he communicates with due to a device called an In-Com.

Companions

• Brock (Takeshi) — The Pewter City Gym Leader, who leaves his post to become a Pokémon Breeder, leaving the care of his gym to his father. He is one of Ash's travelling companions in the anime, and appears as a Gym Leader in the games and various manga.

• Misty (Kasumi) — The Cerulean City Gym Leader, who leaves her post to become a Water Pokémon expert. She is one of Ash's travelling companions in the anime, and appears as a Pokemon Gym Leader in the games and various manga. She follows Ash until the end of season 5.

• Blue (Green in Japan) — Blue is Red's rival in Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special in Japan), and the grandson of Professor Oak.

• Green (Blue in Japan) — Green is a wily con-artist in Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special in Japan). She tricks Red out of his money and Gym Badges, shadows Yellow, and later (platonically) partners up with Silver. (Green is one of the default names for the rival in Pokemon FireRed.)
  The optionally female version of the protagonist from Pokémon FireRed, and LeafGreen is similar in appearance to Green, although this is more likely a case of the games following the manga than the typical case of the manga following the games.

• Tracey Sketchit (Kenji) — A Pokémon Watcher who idolizes Professor Oak, and travels with Ash and Misty throughout the Orange Islands. Realizes his dream of becoming Professor Oak's assistant when Ash, Misty, and Brock move on to Johto.

• Yellow — A girl who disguises herself as a boy in Green/Blue (Blue in Japan)'s instructions in order to find Red, who has mysteriously disappeared sometime in Vol. 4 of Pokemon Adventures. She has only a Rattata and Doduo, along with Pikachu, to help her on her quest.

• Silver — Usually chasing Gold away because he feels that Gold is only hindering him on his missions, he fights alongside Gold, Crystal and the others from the earlier series to stop the Masked Man's plans.

• Crystal — A capture pro whose team was specifically designed for this purpose, Crystal has caught almost every single species and recorded the data for Kanto and Johto Pokemon and is the first trainer to finish the Pokedex.

• May (Haruka) — A Pokémon Coordinator introduced in the Hoenn saga, who is starting her own Pokémon Journey. She follows Ash partly because he is a more experienced trainer and partially because she simply wants to see the world. She is based on the female playable character in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. May is the daughter of Norman the Petalburg City Gym Leader.

• Max (Masato) — Younger brother of May and son of the Petalburg City Gym Leader Norman, introduced alongside her. Although he is too young to be a Pokémon Trainer, he joins Ash and his friends in order to experience more of the world of Pokémon than what he can learn from books. Like Tracey, he idolizes Professor Oak. Although not being able to contribute Pokémon to the team, he makes up for it by his extensive knowledge of Pokémon. Max is similar to Wally, yet Wally is old enough to catch and train pokemon. His appearance seems to be based off of a young boy in Ruby and Sapphire who warns the main character that Prof. Birch is being attacked by a wild Poochyena.

• Dawn (Hikari) — Hikari is Ash's new travelling friend in the Diamond & Pearl series. Much like May, she aspires to be a Pokémon Coordinator, much like her mother.

• Rui — Rui (whose name can be changed) is Wes's companion in Pokémon Colosseum, and she aids him with her unique ability to see the dark aura of Shadow Pokémon (something that normally requires a special Aura Reader to see). She is the granddaughter of Eagun, the guardian of the shrine in Agate Village.

• Mimi (Mee'Mee) — Young girl who is about nine years old. She dreams of one day finally starting her journey as a Pokemon Trainer. Meanwhile, she is busy learning skills about being a Pokemon Trainer from Ash, Brock, and Dawn.

Antagonists

The rival

The main character's rival in the video games has a number of default names, but he (or she) roughly corresponds to several other characters in the Pokémon anime and Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special in Japan). (Note that not all of the corresponding characters are rivals or antagonists to the protagonist in the anime or in Pokémon Adventures, however.) In the Pokemon video games, the rivals are seen usually with a starter Pokemon of an element strong against the player's starter Pokemon.

• Pokémon Red, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen — This rival is pushy and competitive, and is the grandson of Professor Oak. Gary Oak in the anime and Blue in Pokémon Adventures is based on this rival, although in the manga he is instead cold and aloof. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, this rival (named "Blue" in the game) runs the Viridian City Gym, replacing the now-missing Giovanni. He also has a sister named Daisy. This rival also is fond of saying "Smell ya later".

• Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal — This character steals his first Pokémon from Professor Elm, and tends to see Pokémon as tools, to use and discard, although not in the Pokémon Adventures. This rival doesn't appear in the anime mainly, but is featured in the Japanese opening for Pokémon Chronicles. He is featured in Pokémon Adventures as Silver.

• Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald — In this game there are two different rivals but more supportive unlike rivals in prior games. **The first rival is the opposite gender of the protagonist and has an agreeable and encouraging attitude his name is Brenden, and is the child of Professor Birch (and goes on to work as his assistant after the protagonist defeats the Elite Four). The female main character/rival is the basis for May in the anime. You cannot name your rival in these games. May is your rival's name if you choose the male trainer, and Brendan is your rival's name if you choose the female.
  • Another one of your rivals is your protégé, Wally. In the beginning, he is a sickly young boy who needs help in catching a Pokémon. He goes to your dad for advice but then your dad tells you to help him catch a Pokémon. You use your dad's Zigzagoon to help catch him a Ralts. The next time he battles you, he seems better of his sickness and is in tune with his Pokémon. He battles you for the last official time near Victory Road and waits there, always ready for another battle from you.

• Pokemon Diamond and Pearl — In this game there are two rivals.
  • One is the opposite gender of your character and is one of Rowan's assistants. If you prefer to be a boy then your rival will have the name of Dawn. If you desire to be a girl then your rival’s given name will be Lucas. In both cases, they won't fight you, but rather aid you in your quest.
  • The other rival (who can be named at the player's choice) is a blond-headed boy who is impatient and determined to be the best Trainer of all time. At times he'll aid the player, but, more often than not, he'll pick fights with the player. He says "what was that about?" very often at the start of the game.

• Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Trading Card Game 2 — In these game, the player's main rival is a boy by the name of Ronald, who is portrayed as egotistical and greedy. In Pokémon Trading Card Game, Ronald appears throughout the game to antagonize the player and acts as the game's final boss; in Pokémon Trading Card Game 2, Ronald is shown to be a member of Team Great Rocket.

Team Rocket

Main article: Team Rocket

Team Rocket is an international crime organization in the games, manga, and anime, primarily interested in stealing Pokémon and global domination, but involved in sundry other crimes.

File:Team Rocket2.png

Jessie, James and Meowth in the third episode of the Pokémon anime.

• Jessica "Jessie" (Musashi), James (Kojiro), and Meowth (ニャース – Nyāsu) — Jessie, James, and Meowth are the bumbling antagonists to the main characters in the anime. They appear in every episode of the anime (trying to steal Ash's Pikachu, among other petty crimes or miscellaneous mischief. They made several appearances in Pokémon Yellow. The names are derived from the famous outlaw Jesse James (outlaw).

• Giovanni — Giovanni the head of Rocket in the games, anime, and manga. He is also the Viridian City Gym Leader (save for in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal).

• Butch (Kosaburo) and Cassidy (Yamato) — In the anime, these two are more-abrasive, much-more-competent members of Team Rocket. They appear infrequently in the main Pokémon anime, but they make frequent recurring appearances in Pokémon Chronicles. The names are derived from the outlaw Butch Cassidy. Butch's name is often said wrong in the anime for humor.Cassidy's appearance is identical to that of female rocket grunts in pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal.

• Professor Sebastion (Shiranui-Hakase) — In the anime, he is a scientist that supplies Team Rocket with various gadgets. These gadgets include an "Evolution Inducer", a machine used to create a super-powerful red-colored Gyarados through forced evolution, and the "Electric Crystal System", a magnetic device used in Pokémon Chronicles to attempt to ensnare Raikou.

• Tyson (Tatsumi) — A high-ranking Rocket Agent who accompanied Professor Sebastion in the "Red Gyarados" episodes.

• Professor Nanba (Nanba-Hakase) — A Team Rocket scientist who planned to use the power of Lugia's rage to conquer the world. His Pokémon is Electabuzz. Often works with Cassidy and Butch. He makes recurring appearances in Pokémon Chronicles.

• Mondo — A junior member of Team Rocket that assisted Jessie and James. Only referred to in the CD radio dramas in Japan.

• Mask of Ice — The leader of Team Rocket in the Gold/Silver arc of Pokémon Adventures. Mask of Ice is later revealed to actually be Pryce, leader of the Mahogany Town Pokémon Gym.

• Domino — Code-named the Black Tulip. She is sent by Giovanni to look for Mewtwo.

• Iron Masked Marauder (Vicious) — In Pokémon 4Ever - Celebi: Voice of the Forest, he is trying to capture Celebi using a Dark Ball. Said to be a Team Rocket Executive by Jessie/James/Meowth.

• Annie (Zanna) and Oakley (Rion) — A pair of independent, famous thieves (though in the American version, it is said they work for Team Rocket which most likely isn't true). In Pokémon Heroes, they seek to capture Latias and Latios. They are noted for their high fashion and outrageous coiffures. The names are derived from the show performer Annie Oakley.

• Attilla (Buson) and Hun (Bashou) — A pair of high-ranking Rocket agents. In Pokémon Chronicles, these two accompanied Professor Sebastion in trying to capture Raikou. The names are derived from Attila the Hun. For unknown reasons, Hun (Bashou) was changed to a female in the American and Spanish dubs. However, he was never referred to as a man (only collectively with Atilla as "those men"), so he may just be a man with a female voice.

• On'na Boss — Giovanni's (Sakaki's) mother and the former head (and possibly founder) of Team Rocket. Often known by fans as Madame Boss. Only referred to in the CD radio dramas in Japan.

• Miyamoto — Jessie's (Musashi's) mother and agent of Team Rocket. Disappears while on a mission to capture Mew. Only referred to in the CD radio dramas in Japan.

• Drill-Sergeant Viper: introduced in the episode Training Daze as the man responsible for training new recruits.

• Siam — Appears in the Pokémon Adventures manga. Siam, along with Karen, Green, Silver, and Kartz, is one of the children kidnapped by the Mask of Ice and raised to be his servants. Siam was one of the leaders of the new Team Rocket formed in Johto.

• Kartz — Appears in the Pokémon Adventures manga. Kartz, along with Karen, Green, Silver, and Siam, is one of the children kidnapped by the Mask of Ice and raised to be his servants. Kartz was one of the leaders of the new Team Rocket formed in Johto.

• The Beast Warrior Trio: Oca, Jagura, and Storc — Appears in the Pokémon Adventures manga. They are a trio of highly skilled Rockets who served Giovanni while he operated out of the Sevii Islands.

Other villains

Main article: List of Pokémon video game villains

• Mewtwo — In Pokémon: The First Movie, Mewtwo, who is angered at humans because it believed that all humans treated their Pokémon as slaves and was created only as a servant, attempts to take a counterattack on humans. It is foiled by the efforts of Ash working together with Mew. Mewtwo then becomes somewhat of an anti-hero.

• Lawrence III — In Pokémon: The Movie 2000, he is a collector who seeks to steal Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres to awaken Lugia. He started his collection with a Mew Card.

• Team Aqua and Team Magma — These two opposing groups each seek to cause huge laterations to the planet's ecosystem. Aqua wishes to expand the seas by awakening Kyogre, and Magma wants to do the same with the land through Groudon.

• Cipher — In Pokémon Colosseum, Team Cipher is creating and distributing Shadow Pokémon.
  • Es Cade/Evice — Evice is the secretive head of Team Cipher, but spends most of his time posing as Es Cade, the somewhat absent-minded mayor of Phenac City.
  • Nascour — Nascour is the public leader of Team Cipher, often seen directing Cipher operations.
  • Miror B — This flamboyant disco fan, who has a quartet of dancing Ludicolo, is initially a Cipher administrator. He reappears later in Pokémon XD, as a roving, independent Pokémon thief.
  • Dakim, Venus, and Ein — These three are Team Cipher's administrators. Dakim and Venus are in charge of distributing Shadow Pokémon, and Ein is in charge of research. Each of them has one of the three Legendary Beasts (Entei, Suicune, and Raikou).

• Revived Cipher — In Pokémon XD, Cipher revives five years after Colosseum ends, with a new leader, several new Admins and their dreaded secret weapon, XD001 (Shadow Lugia).
  • Greevil — Evice's replacement in Pokémon XD as Cipher's new leader. Often disguised as the kindly aristocrat Mr. Verich.
  • Ardos and Eldes — Greevil's twin sons, who serve as his most trusted bodyguards. Ardos wears all blue to match his hair; while Eldes wears red.
  • Snattle — Admin and second-in-command of Cipher during Greevil's reign. He serves Cipher in hopes of being Orre's new governor.
  • Lovrina and Gorigan — A pair of Admins in charge of general work around Orre.

• Team Snagem — Team Snagem, led by Gonzap, is a gang of Pokémon thieves headquartered in southeastern Orre. Partnered with Team Cipher, they have access to various Pokémon-stealing devices. Of particular note is the Snag Machine Gauntlet, which Wes steals from them at the beginning of Pokémon Colosseum. In Pokémon XD, it's revealed that Team Snagem was betrayed by Team Cipher sometime after Colosseum ended, and Gonzap has swore revenge on them. Although they initially give Michael (the hero of XD) trouble by stealing his Snag Machine, they later team up with him after realizing that Michael also wants to stop Team Cipher.

• Phobos Battalion — In Pokémon Trozei, an evil organization attempting to steal massive numbers of Pokemon in order to power the Phobosphere.

• Team Galactic— In Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, they are the evil team tormenting the region of Sinnoh. They desire to reshape time and space to their preferred designs.
  • Mars and Jupiter— A pair of Team Galactic Commanders. Both are female.
  • Saturn— A young man who is Team Galactic's top Commander.
  • Cyrus — The boss of Team Galactic

• Go-Rock Squad— In Pokemon Ranger, they are the evil team who cause trouble with the Capture Styler, a device used to control Pokémon Temporarily in the Fiore Region

• The Pokémon Mistery Club (Jason Marsden and Grey DeLisle)

Pokémon League

The Pokémon League is a little-described organization that organizes and certifies Pokémon Gyms and Pokémon tournaments. Becoming the Pokémon League Champion is one of the main goals in the video games, as well as one of Ash's stated goals in life in the anime.

The members of the Pokémon League have differing roles depending on where they appear; in the video games, they are the one-time "boss" opponents the player has to overcome to progress through the game, in the anime, they are usually one-time challengers Ash has to face to become the Pokémon League Champion, and in the manga, they are alternately enemies or allies to the protagonists, depending on their individual motivations.

Gym Leaders

Main article: Pokémon Gym

Gym Leaders lead Pokémon Gyms, and offer Gym Badges to Pokémon trainers who can defeat them in a challenge. Usually, this challenge takes the form of a Pokémon battle, but, occasionally, the challenges are a trial of skill or endurance, or the badges are given in return for extraordinary services rendered.

Each region has at least eight Gym Leaders at a time (except for the Orange Islands, which only have five)And Orre which only has one. Any trainer who earns a Gym Badge from eight Gyms is eligible to go on to face the Elite Four or participate in the Pokémon League Championships, as appropriate.

Kanto

Main article: List of Kanto Gym Leaders

• Brock — Gym Leader of Pewter City and an expert on Rock-type Pokémon. In the Pokémon anime, he joins Ash on his adventure, leaving his post to his father, Flint. However, in Pokemon Chronicles (Pokémon Sunday in Japan), he returns to find his mother leading the gym, using Water-type Pokémon.

• Flint — Brock's father in the anime. An expert on Rock-type Pokémon, he leads the Pewter City Gym in Brock's absence.

• Misty — Gym Leader of Cerulean City and an expert in Water-type Pokémon. In the Pokémon anime, she leaves this post for a time to join Ash on his adventure. In Pokémon Chronicles (Pokémon Sunday in Japan), Misty returns to take over as the Gym Leader from her sisters, and becomes one of the main characters, often co-starring with Tracey Sketchit, Casey or one of her of sisters, Daisy, Lily and Violet.

• Daisy, Lily and Violet — Misty's sisters in the anime. They run the Cerulean City Gym in her absence.

• Lt. Surge — An expert in Electric-type Pokémon. He's ex-military, but retains the lieutenant title, at the Vermilion City gym. According to the video games, he is an American.

• Erika — An expert in Grass-type Pokémon. Operates a women-only Pokémon Gym (which doubles as a greenhouse) in Celadon City.

• Sabrina — A specialist in Psychic-type Pokémon, in Saffron City. In the anime, she has telekinesis and other psychic powers.In the videogame the protagonist is told of how she beat the leader of 'The Fighting Dojo'(the gym next door) robbing it of its gym status.

• Kiyo — Kiyo leads a martial arts gym in Saffron City, and, until an unspecified amount of time before the events of Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen, was either a Gym Leader or an aspiring Gym Leader. Either way, his prospects as a Gym Leader were dashed after Sabrina and her Gym of Psychic-type Pokémon defeated him and his followers.

• Koga — An expert on Poison-type Pokémon. Runs the Fuchsia City gym in Pokémon Red, Blue,Yellow, FireRed and LeafGreen. Later joins the Elite Four.

• Janine — An expert in Poison-type Pokémon. Janine is Koga's daughter, and in Pokémon Gold and Silver takes over the Fuchsia City Pokémon Gym after her father joins the Elite Four. She makes the Gym's invisible maze even more confusing by filling it with lesser Pokémon trainers disguised as herself, to mislead challengers.

• Blaine — An expert in Fire-type Pokémon. Originally resided on Cinnabar Island, but moved to the Seafoam Islands after Cinnabar was destroyed by a volcano.

• Giovanni — The leader of Team Rocket. Runs the Viridian City Gym in Pokémon Red, Blue, Pokémon Yellow, FireRed and LeafGreen.

• Blue — In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Blue, the rival from Pokémon Red and Blue, runs the Viridian City Gym (replacing Giovanni).

• Agatha — In the anime, she is an Elite Four member that served as the temporary leader of the Viridian City Gym following Giovanni's disappearance.

Orange Islands

Main article: List of Orange Islands Gym Leaders

These Gym Leaders, save for Drake and Rudy, appear only in the anime.

• Cissy — Cissy is an expert on Water-type Pokémon, and challenges Ash to a water gun accuracy contest and a surfing race instead of a battle.

• Danny — Danny challenges Ash to climb a mountain, freeze a geyser, and sled-race down the mountain.

• Rudy — A Pokémon trainer and dance instructor. He is very protective of his little sister, Mahri.

• Luana — A specialist in two-on-two Pokémon battles. She also owns and operates a hotel, and has a son, Travis, who looks much like Ash, who also has a Pikachu sitting on his shoulder while starting off on his journey. She has the ability to run fast, probably only during the point she was running to Travis look-a-like Ash.

• Drake — Drake is the head of the Orange Islands Gym Leaders. (He is unrelated to the Drake that resides in Hoenn.) Drake was undefeated, until Ash defeats him. There is confusion, as there are tons of photos and hand print plasters of champions, which Ash did upon victory.

Johto

Main article: List of Johto Gym Leaders

• Falkner — Violet City Gym Leader and an expert on Flying-type Pokémon.

• Bugsy — Azalea Town Gym Leader and an expert on Bug-type Pokémon.

• Whitney — Goldenrod City Gym Leader and an expert on Normal-type Pokémon.

• Morty — Ecruteak City Gym Leader and an expert on Ghost-type Pokémon.

• Chuck — Cianwood City Gym Leader and an expert on Fighting-type Pokémon.

• Jasmine — Olivine City Gym Leader and an expert on Steel-type Pokémon.

• Pryce — Mahogany Town Gym Leader and an expert on Ice-type Pokémon. In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Pryce leads Neo Team Rocket under the alias of The Mask of Ice.

• Clair — Blackthorn City Gym Leader and an expert on Dragon-type Pokémon.

Hoenn

Main article: List of Hoenn Gym Leaders

• Roxanne — Rustboro City Gym Leader and an expert on Rock-type Pokémon. She is also a teacher at the Pokémon Trainer's School in Rustboro.

• Brawly — Dewford Town Gym Leader and an expert on Fighting-type Pokémon. In the anime, he also has a private island which has a training facility and a battle field that has geysers on it. He used to train with Bruno, the Elite Four member from Kanto.

• Wattson — Mauville City Gym Leader and an expert on Electric-type Pokémon. An old man, Wattson is almost always seen smiling and likes a good joke. In the anime, any visitor who enters the Gym by the front door takes as an inadvertent roller coaster ride, ending up against a mechanical Raikou.

• Flannery — Lavaridge Town Gym Leader and an expert on Fire-type Pokémon.

• Norman — Petalburg City Gym Leader and an expert on Normal-type Pokémon. In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, Norman is the protagonist's father. In the anime, he is the father of May and Max and Caroline's husband.

• Winona — Fortree City Gym Leader and an expert on Flying-type Pokémon.

• Tate & Liza — The twins are the Mossdeep City Gym Leaders and experts on Psychic-type Pokémon.

• Wallace — Wallace is the Sootopolis City Gym Leader in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. He is an expert on Water-type Pokémon. In Pokémon Emerald, Wallace becomes the Pokémon League Champion, leaving the post of Gym Leader to his mentor, Juan.

• Juan — An expert on Water-type Pokémon. He was Wallace's mentor and ran the Sootopolis City Gym before him. After Wallace became the Pokémon League Champion, he returned to run the Gym. In the anime, there is no mention of any Sootopolis gym leader other than Juan himself.

Sinnoh

Main article: List of Sinnoh Gym Leaders

• Roark — Oreburgh City Gym Leader and an expert on Rock-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats him in battle wins the Coal Badge. His father is Byron, who is the Leader of another Sinnoh Pokémon Gym.

• Gardenia — Eterna City Gym Leader and an expert on Grass-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats her in battle wins the Forest Badge.

• Maylene — Veilstone City Gym Leader and an expert on Fighting-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats her in battle wins the Cobble Badge.

• Crasher Wake — Pastoria City Gym Leader and an expert on Water-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats him in battle wins the Fen Badge.

• Fantina — Hearthome City Gym Leader and an expert on Ghost-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats her in battle earns the Relic Badge.

• Byron — Canalave City Gym Leader and an expert on Steel-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats him in an official battle earns the Mine Badge. He is the father of Roark, who is also a Gym Leader.

• Candice — Snowpoint City Gym Leader and an expert on Ice-type Pokémon. A challenger who defeats her in battle earns the Icicle Badge.

• Volkner — The Sunyshore City Gym Leader and an expert on Electric-type Pokémon. His name is derived from the word "volt", and possibly the name of Johto's Violet City Gym Leader Falkner. A challenger who defeats him in battle earns the Beacon Badge, the last of the eight Sinnoh Gym Badges.

Members of the Elite Four

Main article: Elite Four

The Elite Four are the elite members of the Pokémon League in each region. In the games, manga, and anime, a Pokémon trainer has to defeat them before becoming Pokémon League champion. Each region has their own Elite Four.

Kanto

• Lorelei — A specialist in Ice-type Pokémon. In the anime, she is known as Prima, and resides in the Orange Islands.

• Bruno — A big strong guy who trains Fighting-type Pokémon. He serves as both a Kanto Elite and a Johto Elite.

• Agatha — A specialist in Ghost-type Pokémon. In the anime, she becomes the temporary Gym Leader of Viridian City following the previous leader, Giovanni's, disappearance.

• Lance — A specialist in Dragon-type Pokémon, head of the Kanto Elite Four, and cousin to Clair. In the anime and in Pokémon Gold and Silver, he actively works with the main characters to thwart Team Rocket. In the anime, he also later intervenes in the confrontation between Groudon and Kyogre.

• Blue — The rival from Pokémon Red and Blue. In the games, he was the Kanto Pokémon League Champion until Red beat him. In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Blue is the new Viridian City Gym Leader.

Johto

• Will — A specialist in Psychic-type Pokémon.

• Koga — A ninja and specialist in Poison-type Pokémon. He handed over his role as Fuchsia City Gym Leader to his daughter, Janine, in order to join the Elite Four.

• Bruno — Same as the Kanto Elite. (See above.)

• Karen — A specialist in Dark-type Pokémon, and head of the Johto Elite Four.

• Lance — Johto Pokémon League Champion. Same as the Kanto Elite. (See above.)

Hoenn

• Sidney — A specialist in Dark-Type Pokémon.

• Phoebe — A specialist in Ghost-type Pokémon.

• Glacia — A specialist in Ice-type Pokémon.

• Drake — A specialist in Dragon-type Pokémon, and head of the Hoenn Elite Four.

• Steven Stone — Hoenn Pokémon League Champion in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. A specialist in Steel-type Pokémon.

• Wallace — A specialist in Water-type Pokémon. Ex-Sootopolis City Gym Leader, but leaves this post to his mentor Juan to become the Hoenn Pokémon League Champion in Pokémon Emerald.

Sinnoh

• Aaron — A specialist in Bug-Type Pokémon.

• Bertha — A specialist in Ground-type Pokémon.

• Flint — A specialist in Fire-type Pokémon.

• Lucian — A specialist in Psychic-type Pokémon, and head of the Sinnoh Elite Four.

• Cynthia — Sinnoh Pokémon League Champion in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. She is the first female League Champion in the games. Unlike many other Champions, she uses Pokémon of all sorts of types.

Battle Frontier Frontier Brains

Main article: List of Frontier Brains

• Anabel (Rira) — Salon Maiden Anabel is in charge of the Battle Tower. Previously thought to be a boy by Ash. Her Frontier Symbol is Ability. Another notable fact is that she has feelings for Ash.She is voiced by Hilary Thomas. Anabel can also sense what her pokemon are feeling and talk to them.

• Brandon (Jindai) — Pyramid King Brandon is in charge of the Battle Pyramid. He battles with trios of legendary Pokémon: either Regice, Regirock, and Registeel, or Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos. His Frontier Symbol is Bravery.He is voiced by Pete Capella a/k/a Craig Blair

• Greta (Kogomi) — Arena Tycoon Greta is in charge of the Battle Arena, and uses teams customized to ideally fit the unusual battle rules in the Battle Arena. Her Frontier Symbol is Guts.Sonny Dey provides her voice

• Lucy (Azami) — Pike Queen Lucy is in charge of the Battle Pike, and uses primarily serpentine Pokémon. Her Frontier Symbol is Luck. Another notable fact is that she has feelings Brock.She is voiced by Emlyin Mornelli

• Noland (Datsura) — Factory Head Noland is in charge of the Battle Factory. In the anime, he has befriended Articuno, and occasionally directs it in battle. His Frontier Symbol is Knowledge.

• Spenser (Ukon) — Palace Maven Spenser is in charge of the Battle Palace. His Frontier Symbol is Spirit.

• Tucker (Heath) — Dome Superstar Tucker is in charge of the Battle Dome. His Frontier Symbol is Tactics.

Other recurring characters

• Gary Oak (Shigeru) — Ash's main rival since childhood, and grandson of Professor Oak. Like Ash, he journeys to become a Pokémon Master, but abandons his quest in order to follow his grandfather's footsteps. In the original Japanese, he is named after Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario and Legend of Zelda games and Satoshi Tajiri's mentor. He is voiced by Jimmy Zoppi.

• Delia Ketchum (Hanako) — Ash's mother in the anime. (In the games, the main character's mother is nameless and has no personality.) Delia is very caring of her son, always reminding him to do his best. She is very talented, having won a beauty pageant and cooked a dish so popular that elite chefs at the Indigo Plateau have asked for its recipe. It is not known who is the father of Ash, but it isn't clear that Ash's parents have separated, although she has contacted him at least once since Ash left. It has been hinted that her and Professor Oak may be more than friends from the various episodes in which they are seen together, especially the Pokemon Chronicles. She has a Mr. Mime housekeeper who helps her with chores, and is adept at commanding it in battle.
  In the Japanese version, the name of Satoshi's mother was, for a long time, unrevealed (with her referring to herself as Satoshi no haha or referred as Mama-san, although the role was credited as Hanako). The name Hanako (and its English counterpart, Delia) was revealed during the second Pocket Monsters movie. She also is constantly reminding Ash to change his boxers.She is voiced by Veronica Taylor then Michele Knotz
• Alex Harris(????) He is usually seeing Ash at random times. His main goal is to capture Legendary Pokemon. His Pokemon are a Zapdos, a Pikachu, an Articuno, a Moltres, a Bulbasaur, and a Gyrados. He later haves a Lugia. His movie appearrance was Pokemon 2000.
• Daisy, Lily and Violet, Misty's sisters — In the anime, Misty's sisters take over the Cerulean City Pokémon Gym when Misty goes adventuring with Ash. The three girls are quite vain, and happily hand control of the gym back to Misty when she returns, in order to focus on fashion once again.Daisy is voiced by Lisa Ortiz while Rachael Lillis voices Lily and Viloet

• Richie (Hiroshi) — A Pokémon Trainer who shares similar tastes in Pokémon as Ash. He has many of the same Pokémon as Ash, and also distinctly nicknames his Pokémon and labels his Poké balls. His Japanese name, Hiroshi, is a reference to the former head of Nintendo, Hiroshi Yamauchi.
  Richie is not one of the default names in the video games, although he may be based on the protagonist of Pokémon Yellow.His voice actress is Tara Sands a/k/a Tara Jayne

• Drew (Shū) — In the anime, Drew is a Pokémon Coordinator and one of May's greatest rivals. Drew’s skills have been a continuing inspiration for May to better herself as a coordinator, but his stuck-up nonchalant attitude tends to anger her. In the Hoenn Grand Festival, Drew defeats May in the quarterfinals, but loses to the defending champion Robert in the final round. Later, at the Kanto Grand Festival, he is defeated by May in the quarterfinals. It has been hinted, more than once, that he and May may have feelings for each other. However, that matter has yet to be verified. He owns five Pokémon, Roselia, Masquerain, Flygon, Absol and Butterfree. Drew is currently traveling to the Johto region to participate in the Johto Pokémon Contests.His voice actors are Pete Zarustica in Season 6-8 then Bill Rogers

• Harley (Haarii) — In the anime, a Pokémon Coordinator who is considered one of May's rivals (enemy can be a better word as well as the whole group as he is not above plotting evil mischief against them too) and apparently went to the same kindergarten with a girl who looked like her. When remembering an incident in which the "May" girl stole some of his food he explains that that is one of the reasons that he hates her. He dresses up to resemble a Cacturne. He uses dirty tricks in order to get his opponents off balance. Harley owns a Cacturne, a Banette, an Ariados, an Octillery and a Wigglytuff. Harley is currently traveling to the Johto region to participate in the Johto Pokémon Contests. He is voiced by Andrew Rannells in Season 7-8, and Billy Regan in Season 9

• Todd/Snap (Tōru) — A Pokémon photographer who takes pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitat, and the main character of the video game Pokémon Snap. The name Tōru comes from the verb toru, meaning "to take a picture". Todd is only known as Todd on episodes airing on Kids' WB! in the United States; on home video/DVD releases, and in all other English-speaking countries, he is called Snap. Like Todd's Japanese name, this is also a reference to his love for taking photos.He is voiced by Jimmy Zoppi

• Vincent/Jackson (Jun'ichi) — In the Raikou: The Legend of Thunder arc of Pokemon Chronicles, a Pokémon Trainer who starts his Pokémon Journey in Johto. He is friends with two other trainers, Jimmy and Marina. His Japanese name is a reference to Junichi Masuda, composer of the soundtracks of the Pokémon games.
  The character known as Jun'ichi was first introduced in the main Pokémon anime, as a semi-finalist in the Johto Pokémon League championships. He later appears in Pokémon Chronicles, but there he is referred to as "Vincent."

• Jimmy (Kenta) and Marina — These two Pokémon trainers adventure with Vincent in Johto in Raikou: The Legend of Thunder, the miniseries/movie that begins Pokémon Chronicles. They are based on the male and female main characters of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and may be the "Yoshi and Dani" Vincent/Jackson refers to in his single appearance in the main Pokémon anime. Marina later makes a cameo appearance in the Sinnoh arc of the Anime, in an advertisement Ash and Company read promoting the Pokétch.

• Caroline — The mother of May and Max in the Pokémon anime, and the wife of Norman. She is very supportive of her daughter, having come all the way from Petalburg City to watch May participate in the Grand Festival.

• The Pichu Brothers — In the anime, a pair of mischievous Pichu. They lead older, wiser Pokémon (like Meowth and Ash's Pikachu) on wild chases whenever they appear.

• Casey (Nanako) — In Pokémon Chronicles, a Pokémon trainer and baseball fan. She starts her Pokémon Journey not long after Ash reaches Johto. She is a big fan of the Electabuzz team, and as such wears a lot of Electabuzz wear, and aspires to collect as many yellow striped Pokémon as possible.

• The Eevee Sisters — In the anime, five sisters (Satsuki, Sumono, Tameo, Kome, and Sakura) who each have a different evolution of an Eevee. They live in Ecruteak City. The youngest sister, Sakura, instead of joining Ash and his friends, journeys around Kanto (in Pokémon Chronicles), and evolves her Eevee into an Espeon. The five sisters are based on the Kimono Girls of Ecruteak City in Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal games.

• Scott (Enishida) — The founder of the Battle Frontier (and retired Pokémon League Champion, in Pokémon Emerald).

• Paul (Shinji) — Ash's newest rival in Sinnoh. He bears a striking resemblance to the rival from Pokémon Gold and Silver, in both his appearance and his attitude towards Pokémon training. Shinji is focused on owning only the strongest Pokémon, and he won't hesitate to release his own Pokémon if he sees them as weak.

• Zoey (Nozomi) — A Pokémon Coordinator who becomes Dawn's rival.

• Suzie (Yuki) — In the anime, a Pokémon breeder who gives Brock her Vulpix. Brock later returns it to her.

• Morrison (Masamune) — In the anime, a Pokémon trainer who declares rivalry with Ash from their draws in battle. He became one of Ash's opponents in the Ever Grande Conference. He owns a Swampert, a Beldum/Metang, a Gligar, a Growlithe, a Steelix, and a Girafarig, most knowing Steel-type attacks.

• Wally (Mitsuru) — Wally is the protagonist's protege in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, and Ruby's protege in Pokémon Adventures. He is a sickly boy who slowly gains the confidence to become a Pokémon trainer, and, in Pokémon Adventures, he specializes in green-colored Pokémon.

• Steven Stone — The Hoenn Pokémon League Champion in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. In the games, he is actively involved in combating the plots of Team Aqua and Team Magma. In the anime, however, he only appears in the episode A Hole Lot of Trouble, with Lance having replaced Steven's original role in defeating the two rival teams.

• Duplica (Imite) — In the anime, a Pokémon entertainer and Ditto trainer who performs various cosplay acts for passing travellers. She is the trainer to two Ditto: one which performs perfect transformations, while the other transforms into a smaller version of larger Pokémon. While her name was changed in the English translation, her house is still known as "Imitehouse". "Imite" is short for "imitate".This character is based on Copycat of Saffron City in the games.

• Gabby and Ty — In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Gabby and Ty are a reporter/cameraman team. The two of them interview the protagonist (by way of a Pokémon battle) on multiple occasions. The player can then see a summary of the interview/battle on one of the TVs in the various homes and other buildings.

• Magikarp Salesman — Well known in the anime for conning James into buying a Magikarp. He has since been a running gag in the series. His character was most likely inspired by an NPC in Pokémon Red and Blue who would sell the player a Magikarp for 500 Poké Dollars. In the Johto season, he tricks James into trading a Victreebell for a Weepinbell, which also evolves into Victreebel after. In the Hoenn season, he tricked James into trading all his money for a "Chimecho", which is actually a Hoppip. In Diamond in pearl, he sold team rocket a "evolution machine," Whick they used to try to evolve the worlds strongest magicarp and feebas, and of course Ash's pikachu, but to fail and to realize they had been conned again. In the Chronicle series, he also attempted to trick Professor Oak and Tracey into buying a Magikarp, in which Tracey threatened to call the police.

• Solidad (Saori) — A rival of Drew's after she beat him in his very first contest. Later defeated May and won the Kanto Grand Festival.

• Duking - The owner of the Pyrite Colosseum in Pyrite Town, in Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD. At first he is rather grumpy but soon becomes friendly when Wes frees the town from Miror B. At this point, Duking will also give you a Plusle. In XD, Duking is obsessed with the new discovery of wild Pokémon and allows Silva to run his colosseum. He trades Pokémon with Michael if he specifically captures the rare Pokémon in the three wild spots.

• Solana (Hinata) - A Pokémon ranger based on the female character in Pokémon Ranger whose partner pokémon is Plusle. She has made two appearances in the anime.

• Kazuki*(Lurick) - A Pokemon Ranger of one of the characters in Pokemon Ranger the game with his partner Minun. he is well advanced on focusing on becoming a Ranger in Fiore

Pokémon Professors

The Pokémon Professors give new Pokémon trainers a starting Pokémon appropriate to their region, and entrust them with a task (be it completing a Pokédex, delivering an object, or otherwise offering encouragement). They are also leading researchers of Pokémon-related topics, and mentor Pokémon trainers in a general way. It's interesting to note that almost all Pokémon Professors have the name of some sort of woody plant: Oak, Ivy, Elm, Birch, and Rowan, with the exception of professor Hastings.

• Professor Samuel Oak (Yukinari Ōkido-Hakase) — A Pokémon researcher and the grandfather of Gary Oak/Blue/the rival in Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen. He is often considered the leading Pokémon expert, often giving lectures to Pokémon academies and hosting a radio show in Goldenrod City. Alongside his research, he is also authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
  In the anime, he gives Ash his Pikachu, after Ash arrives too late to receive one of the usual three starter Pokémon. In Pokémon Yellow, he simply gives the player a Pikachu after your rival takes the Eevee that Oak was going to give you. He is a master Pokémon poet.
• All Pokémon he "baby-sits" are loyal to him, and he had a Charmeleon as a young boy.

• Professor Felina Ivy (Uchidō-Hakase) — A Pokémon researcher. She is the leading researcher in the Orange Islands. In the anime, she gives Ash the GS Ball to deliver to Kurt, which eventually leads him to the Johto region. Brock ends up staying with her during the Orange Islands saga of the anime, but parts ways with her after that saga, on unexplained painful or unpleasant terms.

• Professor Elm (Utsugi-Hakase) — An absentminded Pokémon researcher, and former student of Professor Oak. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, he is authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Johto starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. He is also credited as discovering that Pikachu is an evolved Pokemon. In the anime, Jessie, James and Meowth temporarily steal a Totodile from him, (in reality he tells them to take it, thinking they are Nurse Joy). His 'absent minded professor' stereotype is even more pronounced as he often forgets to visit his family and his wife worries that he may not remember to eat.

• Professor Birch (Odamaki-Hakase) — A Pokémon researcher, known for his fieldwork. In Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, he is authorized by the Pokémon League to give new Pokémon trainers one of the three Hoenn starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. In the anime, he gives May her Torchic.

• Professor Rowan (Nanakamado-Hakase) — The Pokémon Professor in the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games, having returned to Sinnoh after four years of traveling abroad. He is authorized to give trainers one of three Sinnoh starter Pokemon, Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup.

• Professor Hastings — The Pokemon Professor in Pokemon Ranger. He invented the capture styler.

Recurring "cousins"

These characters are actually a group of women with identical appearances (although Brock demonstrates the ability to tell them apart). They don't individually recur, but they do appear in each town in Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn regions and the Orange Islands, an identical-looking and -sounding woman with the same name filling the same role. Their identical appearance may be a reference to or parody of the identical sprites used in the video games, a common practice in video game RPGs.

• Nurse Joy (Joi) — A family of Pokémon nurses in the anime, all named Joy, who operate the various Pokémon Centers in the world of Pokémon. Because of their identical appearance, it is often difficult to tell one Nurse Joy from another. The Japanese name, joi, means "female doctor". They often have Chansey nurses. Some can be singled out from the others due to trademark items but there are very few. The only differences are the crosses on their hats. In Pokemon Yellow, as well as Diamond & Pearl, Nurses resembling Nurse Joy work in the Pokemon Centers.Their English voice actresses are Megan Hollingshead (season 1-6), Bella Hudson (Seasons 7-8), and Michele Knotz (Season 9+0

• Officer Jenny (Junsaa) — A family of police officers in the anime, all named Jenny, who maintain law and order in the Pokémon world, often opposing members of Team Rocket. The Japanese name, junsaa, means "police officer". Officer Jennies are often accompanied by Growlithe. There are also many with trademark items to differentiate some, but are just as few as the Joys. The only differences are the symbols on their hats and their uniforms (which are different depending on their region). They make an appearance in Yellow, replacing the male police officer, and later to give the player a Squirtle.They are voiced by Megan Hollingshead (Seasons 1-6), Jamie Davyous Owens (Season 7-8), Diane Stillwell(MoMP) Emliyn Mornelli in Season 10+, Maya Rosewood played her in Season 9, and Kayzie Rogers voiced her in the redub of The Mastermind Mirage of Pokemon

Other minor characters

• Bebe - The inventor and manager of the PC storage system in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. After the player retrieves the National Pokédex, Bebe gives the player an Eevee.

• Bianca (Kanon)- A girl in the movie Pokemon Heroes. An art loving girl, she is the granddaughter of Lorenzo, the owner of the DMA. She knows the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Latios and Latias, as well as being friends with both of them. She is hesitant of Ash at first, but the two become friends later on, after the disaster on Altomare. Latias uses her image often as a disguise, when she plays around Altomare, causing Ash to be confused between the two.

• Bill (Masaki Sonezaki) — The inventor of the PC storage system in Kanto/Johto. In the games, he manages to turn himself into a human-Pokémon hybrid by accident. In the anime, he is also a student of theoretical Pokémon behavior, learning how Pokémon behave by dressing up in Pokémon costumes. His favourite Pokémon are Eevee and its evolutions. According to FireRed and LeafGreen, Bill seems to be allergic to dairy products, and his first Pokémon was an Abra.

• Eagun and Beluh - A legendary Pokémon trainer in Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD and his wife, Rui's grandparents. The two are elderly and live in Agate Village. Eagun may be old but he still has some fight left in him. He has a team made of Pikachu, Pichu and Raichu, all knowing Volt Tackle. Some people have believed that Eagun and Beluh are Ash and Misty from the anime because of Pikachu, and also because Rui resembles Misty slightly. This, however, is only a coincidence, for the events and characters in the Pokémon games are completely different from those in the anime.

• Harrison (Hazuki) — In the anime, a Pokémon trainer from Hoenn. Ash's loss to Harrison's Blaziken in the Johto League Tournament leads Ash to embark on a journey to Hoenn.

• Lanette — The inventor of Hoenn's storage system in the Pokémon games. It is implied in-game that she is close friends with Bill (the player can read an E-mail on Lanette's laptop from Bill complimenting her success with the Hoenn PC system). Her house is littered with books and she rewards visiting players with a doll, asking them not to tell anyone.

External links

• Bulbapedia's Pokemon characters list (organized into categories). Bulbapedia is a comprehensive, all-around wiki-based Pokemon encyclopedia hosted by Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden, a Pokemon fan base.