01SeriesPokémon
1997 · Original TV series
The story
What's it about?
Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum leaves Pallet Town with his stubborn partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master. Across regions, leagues and generations, he catches and trains Pokémon, battles Gym Leaders and foils the schemes of Team Rocket — all while proving that the journey matters more than the trophy.
Meet the main characters
Protagonist
Ash Ketchum
An endlessly optimistic trainer who loves every Pokémon he meets and never, ever gives up.
Deuteragonist
Pikachu
Ash's first Pokémon and best friend, a tiny electric mouse with world-champion power.
Antagonists
Team Rocket
Jessie, James and Meowth — lovable losers who spend 25 years trying (and failing) to steal Pikachu.
Portrait: a representative member.
Side characters
Companion
Misty
A fiery Water-type Gym Leader and Ash's first travel partner.
Companion
Brock
The rock-solid Pewter Gym Leader who dreams of being a Pokémon breeder.
Mentor
Professor Oak
The Pokémon researcher who gives Ash his start.
Rival
Gary Oak
Ash's smug childhood rival who pushes him to improve.