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* SignatureMove: Originally, it was simply the [[ShockAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the series went on, [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] (which was later replaced by Electro Ball) and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become its game clincher moves.
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* SignatureMove: Originally, it was simply the [[ShockAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the series went on, [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] (which was later replaced by Electro Ball) and [[WhipItGood [[TailSlap Iron Tail]] has have become its his game clincher moves.
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* TailSlap: His Iron Tail. Even when not using the move, Pikachu's tail is pretty strong by itself.
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* CrossdressingVoices - In English, Japanese, and German (among others).
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* CrossdressingVoices - CrossdressingVoices: In English, Japanese, and German (among others).
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* {{Foreshadowing}}: Rather blatantly, the first episode of the Team Plasma arc in Best Wishes hints Ash to be the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom. Ironically, given how the games went, the same trailer also showed [[UnwittingPawn N]] to possibly be Reshiram's Hero of Truths.
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* {{Foreshadowing}}: Rather blatantly, the first episode of the Team Plasma arc in Best Wishes hints Ash to be the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom. Ironically, given how the games went, the same trailer also showed Zekrom in contrast to [[UnwittingPawn N]] who is implied to possibly be Reshiram's Hero of Truths.
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** And now he's doing it again in ''Best Wishes''.
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** And now he's doing it again in As of ''Best Wishes''.Wishes'', Ash now flips his hat anytime he is making a capture.
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** Appears to be averted in the new XY series. While he still is excited at the prospect of meeting Pokemon he's never seen before again, he does cool down once he visits - and subsequently gets kicked out of - Lumiose City Gym. Plus, he doesn't have the same rash battle style this time around, using proper strategy in his first battle in the Kalos region. Which was against a gym leader of all things. Not that Ash knows this yet...
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** Appears to be averted in the new XY series. While he still is excited at the prospect of meeting Pokemon Pokémon he's never seen before again, he does cool down once he visits - and subsequently gets kicked out of - Lumiose City Gym. Plus, he doesn't have the same rash battle style this time around, using proper strategy in his first battle in the Kalos region. Which was against a gym leader of all things. Not that Ash knows this yet...
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: While Team Rockets' interference certainly played a role, Ash's loss in the Indigo League can also be attributed to his own laziness. Leading up to the league, Ash repeatedly looked for every opportunity to avoid actually training his pokemon. He was even warned before his Charmeleon evolved that he also needed to work on making it obedient again (something he also slacked off on). His lost came as a result of his Charizard not listening to his orders.
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: While Team Rockets' interference certainly played a role, Ash's loss in the Indigo League can also be attributed to his own laziness. Leading up to the league, Ash repeatedly looked for every opportunity to avoid actually training his pokemon.Pokémon. He was even warned before his Charmeleon evolved that he also needed to work on making it obedient again (something he also slacked off on). His lost came as a result of his Charizard not listening to his orders.
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* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe: Goes from [[OneHitKill One-Hit KO]]ing Legendary Pokemon to losing badly against beginner Trainers.
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* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe: Goes from [[OneHitKill One-Hit KO]]ing Legendary Pokemon Pokémon to losing badly against beginner Trainers.
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* StatusQuoIsGod: Pikachu is adamant that he will ''never'' evolve into a Raichu. He also hates traveling in his Pokeball and insists on staying out of it at all times.
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* StatusQuoIsGod: Pikachu is adamant that he will ''never'' evolve into a Raichu. He also hates traveling in his Pokeball Pokéball and insists on staying out of it at all times.
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* BrownEyes
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* BrownEyesBrownEyes: Although they appear black until the Unova arc.
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* HotBlooded: For Arceus's sake, he's voiced by RicaMatsumoto in the Japanese version!
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* HotBlooded: {{Hotblooded}}: For Arceus's sake, he's voiced by RicaMatsumoto in the Japanese version!
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* HotBlooded: He's more rational than Ash, but still loves the head-on approach and the battling all the same.
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* HotBlooded: {{Hotblooded}}: He's more rational than Ash, but still loves the head-on approach and the battling all the same.
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[[quoteright:240:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Ash_BW_788.png]]
[[caption-width-right:240:Troper, [[CatchPhrase I CHOOSE YOU!]]]]
[[caption-width-right:240:Troper, [[CatchPhrase I CHOOSE YOU!]]]]
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[[caption-width-right:240:Troper,
[[caption-width-right:350:Troper, [[CatchPhrase I CHOOSE YOU!]]]]
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* BreakTheHaughty: Whenever Ash begins to feel too overconfident about his skills, this is what it tends to happened
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* BreakTheHaughty: Whenever Ash begins to feel too overconfident about his skills, this is what it tends to happened happen.
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* AlwaysSecondBest: When the regional conference comes around, you can expect him to do well - perhaps make the quarter finals, or the semi finals if he is lucky - but never actually ''win''. Then again, it could just be the writers deliberately parodying the trope, with Tobias and his team of [[OlympusMons Legendaries]] ([[AssPull and there is no explanation regarding any of them]]) in the Sinnoh League and [[spoiler: Cameron's Riolu, not only beating [[ElementalRockPaperScissors Unfezant]], but [[DiabolusExMachina evolving into a Lucario to beat Snivy and Pikachu]]]] in Unova.
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* AlwaysSecondBest: When the regional conference comes around, you can expect him to do well - perhaps make the quarter finals, or the semi finals if he is lucky - but never actually ''win''. Then again, it could just be the writers deliberately parodying the trope, with Tobias and his team of [[OlympusMons Legendaries]] ([[AssPull and there is no explanation regarding any of them]]) in the Sinnoh League and [[spoiler: Cameron's Riolu, not only beating [[ElementalRockPaperScissors Unfezant]], but [[DiabolusExMachina evolving into a Lucario to beat Snivy and Pikachu]]]] in Unova.
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* BagOfSpilling: Along with his trainer, Pikachu's competence seems to reset every time they enter a new region. The most egregious example of this case would be Pikachu losing to Trip's starter Pokémon Snivy who hadn't fought a single battle in its life at the beginning of the BW arc after [[spoiler:tying with a [[OlympusMons Latios]]]] at the end of the DP arc.
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* StrongAsTheyNeedToBe: Despite Pikachu originally being hailed as uncommonly powerful, its actual strength is wildly inconsistent, with the single most infamous example of this being Pikachu losing to Trip's starter Pokémon Snivy who hadn't fought a single battle in its life at the beginning of the BW arc after [[spoiler:tying with a [[OlympusMons Latios]]]] at the end of the DP arc.
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Zapping Word Cruft and ILP sinkholes
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* AshFace: Ash's recalcitrant Charizard has done this to him [[RunningGag several times]]. To be fair, in the English dub [[MeaningfulName he was asking for it]].
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* AshFace: Ash's recalcitrant Charizard has done this to him [[RunningGag several times]]. To be fair, in the English dub [[MeaningfulName he was asking for it]].
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** The one ''human'' who might outperform him in this category is May, though to be fair, wasting food is a BerserkButton for them both.
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** The one ''human'' who might outperform him in this category is May, though to be fair, wasting food is a BerserkButton for them both.May.
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* IncrediblyLamePun: [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:Ash_cow_suit.png This]] from the fourth episode. The pun works better in the original version.
* {{Pun}}: [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:Ash_cow_suit.png This]] from the fourth episode. The pun works better in the original version.
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** His badges (and hat) seem to get stolen one way or the other every region.
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.
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** His badges (and hat) seem to get stolen one way or the other every region.
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.region..
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.
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** Though to be fair, [[spoiler: Ash considers Tobias a WorthyOpponent, and Tobias returns the sentiment by the end. How often do you get to face down a trainer with not one, but ''two'' legendaries under their wing - let alone get the chance to ''defeat'' them. There's no doubt the InUniverse audience ''loved'' that battle!]]
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* LightningBruiser: Was something of a FragileSpeedster to start off with, but after learning [[TookALevelInBadass Iron Tail and Volt Tackle]] he became a [[IncrediblyLamePun straight up bruiser]].
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realistic
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realistic
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* LightningBruiser: Was something of a FragileSpeedster to start off with, but after learning [[TookALevelInBadass Iron Tail and Volt Tackle]] he became a [[IncrediblyLamePun straight up bruiser]].
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realisticbruiser.
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realistic
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* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/ba/Pikachu_loves_ketchup.png Just look at it!]]
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* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/ba/Pikachu_loves_ketchup.png Just look at it!]]him!
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** [[WordOfGod Storyboarder Masamitsu Hidaka said that he's on his own journey]], it's just that the writers didn't bother to develop him]]. So unless they had a need to, we probably won't be seeing him.
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** [[WordOfGod Storyboarder Masamitsu Hidaka said that he's on his own journey]], it's just that the writers didn't bother to develop him]].him. So unless they had a need to, we probably won't be seeing him.
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* ClothingDamage: Ash's first wardrobe change was basically done for no particular storyline reason (besides the series-change from Original to ''Advanced Generation''). His second one was because he pulled a ColossusClimb on Team Rocket's mecha at the beginning of the season and it exploded underneath him, leaving him rather unkempt (though his mother had sent him the new clothes before this anyway).
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* ClothingDamage: Ash's first wardrobe change was basically done for no particular storyline reason (besides the series-change from Original to ''Advanced Generation''). His second one was because he pulled a ColossusClimb on Team Rocket's mecha at the beginning of the tfhe season and it exploded underneath him, leaving him rather unkempt (though his mother had sent him the new clothes before this anyway).
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* ConfusionFu: When he isn't being an IdiotHero, one of his greatest strengths in Pokémon battling is coming up with off-the-wall strategies on the fly that surprise his opponents.
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** He's also capable of pretty powerful regular ones. Special note goes to the one [[spoiler: Meowth]] receives in [=BW050=].
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** He's also capable of pretty powerful regular ones. Special note goes to the one [[spoiler: Meowth]] receives in [=BW050=].[=BW047=].
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* TeamDad: Pikachu is often trying ''real'' hard to guide & care for all the younger (or just less experienced) Pokémon, and is highly protective of them - from babies like Togepi, to young children like Axew, to even his buddy Piplup. In fact, it's likely part of the reason he was so infuriated by [[spoiler: Meowth's reveal as a HeelFaceMole]] in [=BW050=].
to:
* TeamDad: Pikachu is often trying ''real'' hard to guide & care for all the younger (or just less experienced) Pokémon, and is highly protective of them - from babies like Togepi, to young children like Axew, to even his buddy Piplup. In fact, it's likely part of the reason he was so infuriated by [[spoiler: Meowth's reveal as a HeelFaceMole]] in [=BW050=].[=BW047=].
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* SignatureMove: Originally was simply the [[ShockAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the serious went along [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become it's game clincher moves.
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* SignatureMove: Originally Originally, it was simply the [[ShockAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the serious series went along on, [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] (which was later replaced by Electro Ball) and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become it's its game clincher moves.
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* SignatureMove: Originally was simply the [[LightAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the serious went along [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become it's game clincher moves.
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* SignatureMove: Originally was simply the [[LightAndAwe [[ShockAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the serious went along [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle]] and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become it's game clincher moves.
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* SignatureMove: The "Thunder" series of attacks, and later, Volt Tackle. In fact, the latter was an ''actual exclusive'' for Pikachu's species as a whole.
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* SignatureMove: The "Thunder" series of attacks, and later, Originally was simply the [[LightAndAwe Thunder-based variants]] but as the serious went along [[FoeTossingCharge Volt Tackle. In fact, the latter was an ''actual exclusive'' for Pikachu's species as a whole.Tackle]] and [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]] has become it's game clincher moves.
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** He himself unintentionally delivers one against the Hoenn gym leader Watson.
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** He himself unintentionally delivers one against the Hoenn gym leader Watson.Wattson.
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* TheDitz: At times he's pretty much [[SailorMoon Usagi Tsukino]] if she was a little boy.
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* TheDitz: At times he's pretty much [[SailorMoon Usagi Tsukino]] if she was a little boy.dude.
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** He's normally Badass, winning major battles quite often. He won Ash's battles against Lt. Surge, Whitney (against THAT Milktank), Roxanne, Wattson, Tate and Liza, Juan, Burgh, Elesa, Roxie and Trip, and that's just off the top of my head, let alone the fact he contributed to the wins against many other Gym Leaders and League Matches with knock outs.
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** He's normally Badass, winning major battles quite often. He won Ash's battles against Lt. Surge, Whitney (against THAT Milktank), Roxanne, Wattson, Tate and Liza, Juan, Burgh, Elesa, Roxie and Trip, and that's just off the top of my head, let alone the fact he contributed to the wins against many other Gym Leaders and League Matches with knock outs.
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* {{Deuteragonist}}: for all intents and purposes, considering he and Ash have been together since the beginning
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* {{Deuteragonist}}: for all intents and purposes, considering he and Ash have been together since the beginningbeginning.
* DistressedDude: He gets kidnapped by Team Rocket a lot.
* DistressedDude: He gets kidnapped by Team Rocket a lot.
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Deleted line(s) 105 (click to see context) :
** To be fair, the live television legendary beatings were recent, and the next region he went to was in a different country.
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** To be fair, the live television legendary beatings were recent, and the next region he went to was in a different country.
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** To be fair, the live television legendary beatings were recent, and the next region he went to was in a different country. country.
** Averted at the start of the XY series, where his appearance on live television calming down the Garchomp that escaped from Professor Sycamore's lab is watched by Serena, who recognizes him as the childhood friend she has known in years gone by. It also allows her to know that he in is Kalos and that she now has a good chance of meeting up with him.
** Averted at the start of the XY series, where his appearance on live television calming down the Garchomp that escaped from Professor Sycamore's lab is watched by Serena, who recognizes him as the childhood friend she has known in years gone by. It also allows her to know that he in is Kalos and that she now has a good chance of meeting up with him.
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** Appears to be averted in the new XY series. While he still is excited at the prospect of meeting Pokemon he's never seen before again, he does cool down once he visits - and subsequently gets kicked out of - Lumiose City Gym. Plus, he doesn't have the same rash battle style this time around, using proper strategy in his first battle in the Kalos region. Which was against a gym leader of all things. Not that Ash knows this yet...
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* HeroBall: Team Rocket is supposedly "evil" to his eyes, yet, he helps them when they're in trouble.
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* HeroBall: Team Rocket is supposedly "evil" to his eyes, yet, yet he helps them when they're in trouble.
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* HoistByHisOwnPetard: While Team Rockets' interference certainly played a role, Ash's loss in the Indigo League can also be attributed to his own laziness. Leading up to the league, Ash repeatedly looked for every opportunity to avoid actually training his pokemon. He was even warned before his Charmeleon evolved that he also needed to work on making it obedient again (something he also slacked off on). His lost came as a result of is Charizard not listening to his orders.
to:
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: While Team Rockets' interference certainly played a role, Ash's loss in the Indigo League can also be attributed to his own laziness. Leading up to the league, Ash repeatedly looked for every opportunity to avoid actually training his pokemon. He was even warned before his Charmeleon evolved that he also needed to work on making it obedient again (something he also slacked off on). His lost came as a result of is his Charizard not listening to his orders.
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Unless the Trainer ordered a wrong attack, this example fits more with Pikachu.
Deleted line(s) 89 (click to see context) :
* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just received their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
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* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just received their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
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Added DiffLines:
* HoistByHisOwnPetard: While Team Rockets' interference certainly played a role, Ash's loss in the Indigo League can also be attributed to his own laziness. Leading up to the league, Ash repeatedly looked for every opportunity to avoid actually training his pokemon. He was even warned before his Charmeleon evolved that he also needed to work on making it obedient again (something he also slacked off on). His lost came as a result of is Charizard not listening to his orders.
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* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe
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* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBeBroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe: Goes from [[OneHitKill One-Hit KO]]ing Legendary Pokemon to losing badly against beginner Trainers.
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* BrownEyes: While originally depicted with BlackBeadEyes, in more recent years Pikachu has been shown to have very dark brown irises, emphasizing his loyalty to Ash.
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Changed line(s) 89 (click to see context) from:
* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just recieved their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
to:
* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just recieved received their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
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** Losing to Snivy was partially [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as interference from Zekrom left him unable to use electricity...except for the fact that Pikachu at that point knew both Quick Attack and Iron Tail, neither of which require electricity.
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It seems that the \"Current Main Cast\" has grown too large to properly support Iris and Cilan, who have been moved to the Unova page. I\'m creating this redirect just to focus only on Ash and Pikachu, since they are the definative heroes of the anime.
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%%As new episodes are constantly airing, expect heavy spoilers for episodes not yet aired in North America.
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Ash Ketchum (Satoshi)]]
[[quoteright:240:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Ash_BW_788.png]]
[[caption-width-right:240:Troper, [[CatchPhrase I CHOOSE YOU!]]]]
-->'''Voiced in Japanese by:''' RicaMatsumoto
-->'''Voiced in English by:''' VeronicaTaylor (4Kids), Kayzie Rogers (10 year anniversary pilot, PUSA, credited as "Jamie Peacock"), Sarah Natochenny (current)
The star of the series, Ash is in many ways the archetypal IdiotHero. He won many of his early battles on dumb luck and/or some form of ThePowerOfFriendship. As the series has gone on [[LongRunners and on]] he has improved greatly in this regard, but has arguably gotten dumber in regards to his social life. Also, his progression as a trainer has more or less wrecked some of the dynamic he had with his supporting cast, as he no longer needs Misty and Brock to counterbalance his original inexperience. But hell...they're still [[TrueCompanions his best friends]].
[[hardline]]
* {{Adorkable}}: Moreso when he started out.
* AllLovingHero: Even after [[spoiler: Meowth betrays him]], Ash says he'll always treasure their time together.
* AlmightyJanitor: After finishing the Battle Frontier, Ash was offered the position of a Frontier Brain, but declined it in favor of his journey, although he can still take up Scott's offer later.
** His current treatment as a "rookie" trainer also counts; as detailed below, in his young age he has already competed in so many competitions already, and had the experience for it as well.
* AlwaysSecondBest: When the regional conference comes around, you can expect him to do well - perhaps make the quarter finals, or the semi finals if he is lucky - but never actually ''win''. Then again, it could just be the writers deliberately parodying the trope, with Tobias and his team of [[OlympusMons Legendaries]] ([[AssPull and there is no explanation regarding any of them]]) in the Sinnoh League and [[spoiler: Cameron's Riolu, not only beating [[ElementalRockPaperScissors Unfezant]], but [[DiabolusExMachina evolving into a Lucario to beat Snivy and Pikachu]]]] in Unova.
* ArtEvolution: Ash has changed his clothes and appearance a few times in the past, but [[http://a.imageshack.us/img412/2619/newash.jpg his Unova outfit seems to change his very character design. Just look at those eyes]].
* AshFace: Ash's recalcitrant Charizard has done this to him [[RunningGag several times]]. To be fair, in the English dub [[MeaningfulName he was asking for it]].
** WhatDidYouExpectWhenYouNamedIt: Probably not intentional, but still funny.
* AttractiveBentGender: Ash is somehow convinced by May to dress up as a girl during one Hoenn episode, and does it so well, ''Brock'' forgets what's going on! HilarityEnsues.
** This is a RunningGag where Ash will dress as a girl at least once per saga - [=EP026=], [=AG042=], [=DP062=] and [=BW098=].
** [[{{Irony}} Ironically]], during the Bell of Wishes Festival in [=BW071=], Ash was the ''only'' participant to pick out a male to cosplay (Alder), while both Cilan and Stephan needed to crossdress (as Elesa and Nurse Joy, respectively!)
* AuraVision: He has this ability. He doesn't really have any idea how to USE it, though. Not that it matters, because it never shows up.
* BackFromTheDead: If anyone is counting, Ash has died at ''least'' three times and has been resurrected by Pokémon each time.
* BadassAdorable: He's capable of using Aura, he shows superhuman reflexes...and he's '''so cute!'''
* BadassNormal: It's easy to forget he's 10 considering the kinds of things he can do, made even more apparent in the movies.
* BalefulPolymorph: Briefly turns into a Pikachu in "Hocus Pokémon".
* BalloonBelly: [=DP055=] and again in [=BW042=].
* TheBattleDidntCount: He actually tells this to [[TheRival Trip]] when he refuses to battle him a second time and says that Pikachu [[BroughtDownToNormal wasn't up to ]] [[DiabolusExMachina the task when]] [[AssPull they first battled]]. Regardless, no one but the audience believes him.
* BerserkButton: His ''hat'' the first time it was stolen. Ironically, the thief also turned out to be TheBerserker.
** Don't insult his relationship with Pikachu either - ESPECIALLY don't tell him that Pikachu abandoned him or vice versa. Just look at Movie 8.
** "ENTEI! You took my mother, now where is she?!"
** Similar to [[Film/BackToTheFuture Marty McFly]]: "[[NobodyCallsMeChicken Nobody calls me coward]]!"
** He's also [[PapaWolf fiercely protective]] of his Pokémon (especially Pikachu), and of his human friends as well. In [=DP003=], Team Rocket had a moment of genuine GenreSavvy when he [[InASingleBound dodged their attacks and leapt onto the arm of their machine, climbing upward to save Pikachu]].
--> '''Meowth''': Aah, [[OhCrap he's got that look in his eye!!]]
* BigBrotherMentor: Sometimes to a CharacterOfTheDay, but most notably towards both May and Max - NotAllowedToGrowUp aside, he was always ready to dispense some personal advice and assistance to the Petalburg siblings, and it's clear that both of them look up to him as a veteran trainer. Ash also seemed to take responsibility for their well-being: the first time May lost a Contest, he lamented that he should've spent more time teaching her, and during the time she pushed her Bulbasaur too hard (and lost for a second time), he was patient and forgiving even while she was acting like a brat. With Max, he seems to be an honourary big brother, since the boy is quick to point out Ash's lack of 'book smarts' (so to speak), yet whenever the party splits up, he and Max (more often than not) are teamed up.
* BigEater: Oh, boy. If there's one thing he loves as much as Pokémon and battling, it's food. This was also somewhat lampshaded in the mid-Advanced Generation episodes, where after a bunch of episodes where he's shown pigging out, he started to get a little chubby.
** The one ''human'' who might outperform him in this category is May, though to be fair, wasting food is a BerserkButton for them both.
* BigWordShout: [[SkywardScream "PIKACHU!!!!!!!!"]]
* BookDumb: Give him a written test on Pokémon or ask him what moves a given Pokémon learns, etc. and he'll fail every time.
* BookEnds: The sighting of Ho-Oh during the original series.
* [[ABoyAndHisX A Boy And His Pikachu]]
* BreakTheCutie: On MANY occasions.
* BreakTheHaughty: Whenever Ash begins to feel too overconfident about his skills, this is what it tends to happened
* BrownEyes
* ButtMonkey: Especially in the Unova saga.
* CharacterTics: Flipping his hat from front to back, whenever he gets serious. Disappears in the transition to the AG saga, until the ninth movie. He finally does it again in the series in [=DP189=].
** And now he's doing it again in ''Best Wishes''.
** While rare, he's also prone to a pose that wouldn't look out of place in ''Series/KamenRider''.
* CharmPoint: His hat.
* ChasteHero: Ash '''''is''''' this trope.
** CharacterizationMarchesOn: [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness With the strange, early exception of]] [[EnsembleDarkhorse Giselle]].
* ChickMagnet: Shipping aside, several girls have developed genuine feelings for him, [[InterspeciesRomance not all of them human]]. Ash, however, remains totally oblivious with the exception mentioned above.
* ChronicHeroSyndrome
* TheChosenOne: Ash seems to be the go-to guy for any Legendary which needs a hero to help them. In addition, he's officially been this for the Lugia in ''Anime/{{Pokemon 2000}}'' (though this is [[{{Woolseyism}} dub-only]]), ''might'' be it for Ho-Oh given how many times he sees the damned phoenix, and for [[spoiler: Azelf of the Lake Trio.]]
** He's been hinted (though as yet unconfirmed) to be the Hero of Ideals chosen by Zekrom (the {{Foreshadowing}} in the first ''Best Wishes'' episode is rather blatant). [[spoiler:''N'', meanwhile is hinted to be the Hero of Truth chosen by Reshiram.]]
* ClothingDamage: Ash's first wardrobe change was basically done for no particular storyline reason (besides the series-change from Original to ''Advanced Generation''). His second one was because he pulled a ColossusClimb on Team Rocket's mecha at the beginning of the season and it exploded underneath him, leaving him rather unkempt (though his mother had sent him the new clothes before this anyway).
* ComedicUnderwearExposure:
** After losing to Sabrina for the first time, Sabrina's father showed him that guts aren't enough to beat someone with psychic powers - by telekinetically pulling his pants down, exposing his white boxers.
** A Corphish knocked Ash and his friends into a lake, and he got reduced to wearing his shirt, [[YouCanLeaveYourHatOn his hat]], and his black and blue striped boxers. (crosses over with HangingOurClothesToDry).
** Often played with as Ash's mother's words of advice before leaving were to "change his you-know-whats every day".
* CooldownHug: Ash was subject to this in the movies when his temper get the best of him (7 and 8 come to mind), and the one to cool him down was May.
** Also delivers them to Pokémon, notably Chimchar (in [[UnstoppableRage Blaze]]) and Pikachu (BrainwashedAndCrazy). Gets bitten, flamed at and shocked for his trouble, but [[MadeOfIron shakes it off]] for their sake.
* CrossdressingVoices - In English, Japanese, and German (among others).
* CultureBlind: It's suprising how a guy who is so obsessed with Pokémon could be so completely ignorant others in the other areas.
* CurbStompBattle: His crushing loss to Paul in the 2 part episode where they have a full battle.
** He himself unintentionally delivers one against the Hoenn gym leader Watson.
* TheCutie: In the older episodes.
* DeadpanSnarker: [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness Had his moments of this in the older episodes]].
* {{Determinator}}: And HOW.
** Ultimate proof of this? During the Diamond and Pearl saga. Azelf, the being of Willpower, chose to connect with him.
* DemonicPossession: One episode of Battle Frontier had him possessed by the ancient King of Pokélantis.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: In the Battle Frontier and later in the Sinnoh League. He was the ''only'' trainer shown who could defeat Tobias's [[spoiler:[[OlympusMons Darkrai]]]] in the Sinnoh semifinals, and was able to take out his [[spoiler:Latios, but lost since Pikachu fainted at the same time]]. Even though Ash [[CurbStompBattle lost 6 to 2]] in the end, it's still much closer than anyone else got to beating Tobias in the tournament.
* DisappearedDad: Does anyone know him?
** Was only mentioned once in the second episode, but afterwards...
** [[WordOfGod Storyboarder Masamitsu Hidaka said that he's on his own journey]], it's just that the writers didn't bother to develop him]]. So unless they had a need to, we probably won't be seeing him.
* TheDitz: At times he's pretty much [[SailorMoon Usagi Tsukino]] if she was a little boy.
** GeniusDitz: He's really quite talented in Pokémon battling.
* DragonRider: Several times with Charizard, although there ''are'' instances when he rides other Dragon Pokémon.
* DudeWheresMyRespect: Despite having pretty impressive stats when it comes to accomplishments, it's very rare for other characters to actually acknowledge this.
** Case in point: Trip. Granted, he probably doesn't watch the other regions' Leagues, but still.
** For one battle, this is actually ''averted''. When he goes to the Battle Frontier and does battle with Tucker, he gets swarmed by press and/or paparazzi, and his numerous achievements are actively talked about.
* EnemyMine: With Paul in DP's first season finale...they ended up winning, but certainly not because they were working together!
** Frequently happens in movies with Team Rocket; most of the time anyway...
* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just recieved their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
* FacialMarkings: Those little zig-zags under his eyes.
* FailureIsTheOnlyOption: Ash doesn't capture that many Pokémon, and ''never'' seems to win a major tournament.
** Though with regards to the former, the idea that most trainers will capture dozens of Pokémon appears to have been retconned into "only exceptional trainers catch that many Pokémon", and Ash himself [[CommonKnowledge hasn't actually cited that goal since the early days of the show]] - it's strongly implied that while he still wants to capture Pokémon, it's more about bonding with new friends and partners and less about having them all anymore (when Gary insulted the low number of Pokémon Ash'd caught in "Showdown at the Poké-Corral", Ash retorted that his stronger bond with each of them individually is more inportant). Besides, he sees more different species in a few years of travelling than more people would see in a lifetime.
* FingerlessGloves: Never leaves home without them.
* {{Fingore}}: Family-friendly version: how he first met his Krabby, after the latter didn't take kindly to Ash's "shrimp" comment.
* {{Flanderization}}: Many of his IdiotHero qualities were due to his youthful immaturity rather than intellect problems in the beginning, but as Ash matured as a trainer, they became due to full-blown stupidity instead.
* ForegoneConclusion: He will never win any important regional league. He wins the unimportant ones, though.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: Rather blatantly, the first episode of the Team Plasma arc in Best Wishes hints Ash to be the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom. Ironically, given how the games went, the same trailer also showed [[UnwittingPawn N]] to possibly be Reshiram's Hero of Truths.
** {{Fauxshadowing}}: ...And nothing came from that, unfortunately.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: The Choleric, in every series.
* FreudianTrio
** TheKirk: During the ''Advanced Generation'' & ''Diamond and Pearl'' series.
** TheMcCoy: During the ''Original'' & ''Best Wishes'' series.
* FriendToAllChildren: "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!" proved this.
* GracefulLoser: Most of the time Ash takes defeat, if not gracefully, then by congratulating his own Pokémon for giving a good fight.
* TheGreatestStoryNeverTold: Ash is occasionally identified by characters of the day who saw him eat dirt during a televised tournament, but not often -- even May and Dawn get recognized more often for winning random contests. Nobody ever seems to recognize Ash as the guy who smacked down ''two'' Legendaries in ''official'' Frontier matches [[spoiler:and two more in the Sinnoh League semifinals ''on live television'']], or who saved the world every summer since 1998.
** To be fair, the live television legendary beatings were recent, and the next region he went to was in a different country.
* HairColorDissonance: under certain lighting, his hair is sometimes depicted as ''dark green''.
* HereWeGoAgain: Ash really cannot go a single region without having to be treated like a rookie again. Unova is the most apparent, where Ash is written into the plot as if someone who is new to Pokémon is just starting to get into the series. Having Iris berate him for it at every opportunity didn't help any.
** It got better after a few episodes though, when he steadied down on the initial excitement and hyperactivity - case in point, when first trying to catch Snivy he threw the ball immediately, but not out of idiocy; rather, he'd tried to get her while she was distracted and ''after'' that failed, he subsequently fought her. His excitable nature in the series is pretty consistent, really, no matter how much he learns.
* HeroBall: Team Rocket is supposedly "evil" to his eyes, yet, he helps them when they're in trouble.
* HeroicBSOD: Several throughout the series, the most notable was when he lost to [[TheRival Ritchie]] in the Indigo League.
** Ash has a pretty huge BSOD moment again after a crushing 6-2 loss against Paul.
* HotBlooded: For Arceus's sake, he's voiced by RicaMatsumoto in the Japanese version!
* IdiotBall: Okay, Ash. For the 267th time, the man with blue hair, the woman with long red hair and the talking Meowth are not to be trusted. No matter what they are offering, they are not to be trusted. Understand? Probably not.
* IdiotHero: Gets smarter in regards to Pokémon training (until Unova sets him back), but he stays an idiot in other areas.
** To further emphasize this point, "Capacia Island UFO!" involved a bunch of Beheeyem hypnotizing the whole town in order to help them find a device needed to get their UFO running again. They say that they were able to get everyone but a small group of people. Those people being Ash, Jesse, and James. They started to get Pikachu, but Ash snapped him out of it. Using Meowth as a translator, when asked why they weren't hypnotized, Beheeyem said that its hard to hypnotize idiots. Ash, Pikachu, Jesse, and James all have a blank expression of disbelief on their faces from the reaction.
* ImageSong: ''Mesaze Pokémon Master'', ''Rivals'', ''OK!'', ''Challenger!'', ''Spurt!'', ''Type Wild!''. ''High Touch'' counts for both him and Dawn.
* InASingleBound: Inexplicably, Ash can leap many times his own height.
* IncrediblyLamePun: [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:Ash_cow_suit.png This]] from the fourth episode. The pun works better in the original version.
* InnocentlyInsensitive: From time to time
* InterspeciesFriendship: Mostly with Pikachu, but he considers all of his Pokémon to be his friends.
* [[InterspeciesRomance Interspecies]] ShipTease: Ash's rather touchy-feely relationship with Pikachu aside, he's been crushed on by [[ClingyJealousGirl Chikorita]] (who later evolved into [[DoesNotKnowHerOwnStrength Bayleef]]), [[EverythingsBetterWithMonkeys Aipom]], and [[UpToEleven now]] [[EvenTheGuysWantHim Oshawott]]. [[OlympusMons Latias]] in [[Anime/PokemonHeroes one of the movies]] actually [[spoiler:might have kissed him on the cheek in the end]], making her tied (with [[spoiler:the human Melody]]) for the furthest anyone's ever gotten with him throughout the entire series.
* IronButtMonkey: Most of them are PlayedForLaughs, especially when it comes to his own Pokémon being responsible for his misfortunes. This is at its finest at the beginning of the Lily of the Valley Conference, where all the Pokémon that he called up from Oak's lab greet him by...attacking him, one after another.
** If the movies are taken into account, then to date he's been: Beaten up, electrocuted and burned countless times, hit by a chandelier, petrified at least once, half drowned twice (First in an episode of the original series, second in the Manaphy movie), eaten by a sentient tree (no really), dropped from a great height numerous times, and much, ''much'' more.
* '''{{Keet}}'''
* TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers: He gets his hat stolen by Mankey in season 1, and then several times by Aipom in seasons 9 & 10 (both are monkeys). The third time his hat gets stolen (in Season 14) a duck (Ducklett) steals it.
** It was also kind of taken briefly by Snorunt in Season 8...except this turned out to be Snorunt's way of letting the others know he was OK and leading them to him.
* LethalChef
* LetsGetDangerous: Turning his hat backwards means he's serious.
* MacGuffinEscortMission: Tasked with delivering the [[MacGuffin GS Ball]] to Professor Ivy.
* MadeOfIron: He's survived stuff no normal 10 year old boy should be able to.
* MagneticHero: Naturally, Ash draws a lot of attention from Pokémon who end up joining his team.
** The more interesting extension is that the Pokémon he trains end up turning into natural leaders as well. Pidgeot is now head of a massive flock on Route 1. Bulbasaur is the lead peacekeeper at Oak's ranch. Squirtle ''started'' as the leader of a gang, and went back to that. Then there are the several times one of the team is caught by Team Rocket and isolated from the trainers, and proceeds to coordinate fellow detainees into a revolt. (Pikachu, Starly, etc.)
* [[MeaningfulName Meaningful]][=/=]PunnyName: "[[GottaCatchThemAll Ketchum]]", anybody?
** The dub of the second movie takes it one step further:
-->''And the world shall turn to '''Ash'''.''
* {{Memento MacGuffin}}: Cutlery, a handkerchief and a fishing lure, one half of the Terracotta Ribbon and a Teddiursa carving, from Brock, Misty and May (two each from the girls), respectively. The latter four appear later in the series, while Brock's gift was important...[[WhatHappenedToTheMouse for only one episode]].
* MommasBoy: Don't screw with his mother around him. [[BerserkButton Just...don't.]]
* NiceGuy: Well, his heart is bigger than all the regions AND the Orange Islands combined, so to speak.
* {{Nice Hat}}s
* NotAllowedToGrowUp: Ash Ketchum [[WordOfGod will forever be 10 years old]], as well as the other main characters being their own ages as well. However, as far as the Dub goes, the Pokémon series documented the passing of at least three years. Ash has noted a year's time passing between his first two visits to Viridian City (dub-only), celebrated the anniversary (when Ash and Pikachu first started their journey) during his time in Johto (which would ''presumably'' be on the same day as Viridian City), and that ''another'' year passed since he first met May.
** Until ''Best Wishes'' came, where even the dub {{Narrator}} outright states that Ash is ''still'' [[FridgeLogic ten]]. [[BrokenBase Take from that what you will]], but a number of fans [[FanDiscontinuity just pretend these words were never uttered]].
* ObliviousToLove: [[CharacterizationMarchesOn In later seasons]]. For example, in the first season, he knows damn well that Butterfree is trying to court a mate in "Bye Bye Butterfree". In the most recent season, he is completely clueless that a Cottonee wants to do the same and thinks that it just "wants to make a best buddy".
** Though he seems to be growing out of it a bit as he could tell that Oshawott was in love.
* OnlyOneName: Averted in the dub, played completely straight in the Japanese version.
* PalsWithJesus: How many legendary Pokémon has he (and even his close friends) befriended? The most notable include the Creation Trio in Movies 10-12 (as well as [[{{God}} Arceus]]), Lugia in the Orange Islands, and the Lake Trio [[spoiler:especially Azelf, for whom he is TheChosenOne]], as well as [[spoiler: possibly as the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom]].
* PapaWolf: Never hurt his friends, human or Pokémon. He even tends to go to more reckless lengths in order to save them when they're in danger.
* PowerCopying: Starting with the beginning of the Advance Generation series, whenever Ash sees someone use a move that's worth using, he decides to teach his Pokémon that move (starting with Iron Tail).
* ThePowerOfFriendship: He caught several Pokémon without having to fight. Saving their lives was enough for them.
* PuppyDogEyes
* PsychicPowers: Has the power of Aura.
* RealMenWearPink: Aside from his crossdressing episodes, there was one episode where he, along with Misty and Brock, wore identical Slowpoke costumes.
* RedOniBlueOni: The red to all of his main series rival's blue.
* RescueRomance: one-sided canon: GirlOfTheWeek Macy, Ash's first quasi-important opponent in the Johto League, fell for him '''hard''' when he saved her from a fall. On a platonic sense, this applies to some of his Pokémon as well.
* ResetButton: Well, at least they tried to justify Pikachu losing his strength in Best Wishes. But seriously - the little guy just [[spoiler: tied with a Latios]]. How hard could it be to beat a new trainer and their Snivy?
* RuleOfCool: The reason why Ash's Pokémon are capable of pulling so many cool maneuvers.
* RunningGag: In the movies, his tendency to [[RammingAlwaysWorks ram into things, mostly barriers]].
** If you're a girl that has a bike (Except Iris), never let it near him or Pikachu.
** His badges (and hat) seem to get stolen one way or the other every region.
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: He's the Manly Man to his male companions Brock, Tracey and Cilan (all definitely Sensitive Guys). With each of his 'primary' rivals (Gary, Paul & Trip) though, he's the Sensitive Guy.
* ShonenHair
* SignatureMove: Out of all of his improvised techniques, the [[EverythingsBetterWithSpinning Counter]]-[[BeamSpam Shield]] is the only one used with enough regularity to become a signature technique.
** It's also worth mentioning that, even though Seismic Toss is frequently referred to as Charizard's signature finisher, he only uses it while Ash is in command (even in "Volcanic Panic").
* TalkingToHimself: VeronicaTaylor voiced him, his mom, and May.
** [[IAmNotSpock I Am Not Ash]]: She seems to have encountered this sort of problem herself. Yet, she ''did'' enjoy her time as Ash, anyway, so...
* ThisLoserIsYou: Ash pretty much acts the way any little kid playing the games for the first time would act, but within the show's universe
** Admittedly, Ash actually has achieved quite ''a lot'' over the course of the show, it's just he's unfortunately TheHero of a series that runs on both NotAllowedToGrowUp and AlwaysSomeoneBetter.
* ToBeAMaster
* TryingNotToCry: Ash releasing his Pokémon, leaving his long time friends (however that was just Brock and Misty), getting defeated by Gary in [=EP116=] [[spoiler:and Paul in [=DP132=]]].
* {{Tuckerization}}: Satoshi is the name of the head of Game Freak and creator of the games: Satoshi Tajiri.
* VictoryPose: Whether it's winning an important battle or just capturing a new Pokémon. Lampshaded in his capture of Starly, when he feels inadequate pulling the VictoryPose off in Pikachu's absence.
* WildMassGuessing: Just who is is father anyways?
* YankTheDogsChain: [[spoiler:Well congratulations Ash! you managed to make it to the Final Four in the Sinnoh League, scored a decisive victory against your arc-long rival, ''and'' even managed to KO Tobias's Darkrai...oh wait, he has a Latios too. Sucks for you.]]
** Though to be fair, [[spoiler: Ash considers Tobias a WorthyOpponent, and Tobias returns the sentiment by the end. How often do you get to face down a trainer with not one, but ''two'' legendaries under their wing - let alone get the chance to ''defeat'' them. There's no doubt the InUniverse audience ''loved'' that battle!]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Ash's Pikachu]]
[[quoteright:275:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PikachuAnime.png]]
->'''Voiced by:''' IkueOhtani
Ash's faithful partner Pokémon. Unlike most of its species, Ash's Pikachu refuses to stay cooped up inside its Poké Ball for an extended period of time. Tropes involving Ash's Pikachu include:
[[hardline]]
* AchillesInHisTent: Mostly from the first season, the most blatant example being Ash's Gym battle with Misty; Pikachu's excuse was allegedly because he doesn't want to fight a friend.
** Played for laughs in "The Flame Pokémon-Athon!" when Ash decided to sic him against a stampede of Tauros; Pikachu pretended to go to sleep instead.
* AmbiguousGender: Like most Pokémon, Pikachu's gender. "Where No Togepi Has Gone Before" finally confirms that Pikachu is male.
* ArtEvolution: Compare his character pic above with [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixZFIJbiklo his first appearance]]. Maybe all the battling and traveling caused him to lose weight?
** In ''Best Wishes'', his attacks look better. For example, Iron Tail goes from [[PowerGlows a glowing-white tail to a shiny-black tail]]
* BadassAdorable: One of the strongest of Ash's Pokémon, the first one of them to defeat a Pseudo-legendary Pokémon (a Dragonite) and the second one to defeat a Legendary Pokémon (a Regice).
** He's normally Badass, winning major battles quite often. He won Ash's battles against Lt. Surge, Whitney (against THAT Milktank), Roxanne, Wattson, Tate and Liza, Juan, Burgh, Elesa, Roxie and Trip, and that's just off the top of my head, let alone the fact he contributed to the wins against many other Gym Leaders and League Matches with knock outs.
* BadlyBatteredBabysitter: Mostly regarding Togepi, but he becomes this again when Dawn's Pokémon are concerned.
* BagOfSpilling: Along with his trainer, Pikachu's competence seems to reset every time they enter a new region. The most egregious example of this case would be Pikachu losing to Trip's starter Pokémon Snivy who hadn't fought a single battle in its life at the beginning of the BW arc after [[spoiler:tying with a [[OlympusMons Latios]]]] at the end of the DP arc.
** Losing to Snivy was partially [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as interference from Zekrom left him unable to use electricity...except for the fact that Pikachu at that point knew both Quick Attack and Iron Tail, neither of which require electricity.
* BalloonBelly: [=EP171=], [=DP055=] and [=DP098=]
* BerserkButton: Sure, there's the thing about protecting his friends, but [=BW048=] showed that if you [[spoiler:betray his trust]], HE. WILL. BE. PISSED.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Ordinarily, Pikachu's fairly docile and one of Ash's more patient Mons. However, there's a limit to that patience. If you dare attack it, particularly while its back is turned, all bets are officially off. Even Bulbasaur and Squirtle freeze in fear at an angered Pikachu.
* BlueWithShock: [[http://serebii.net/anime/pictures/houen/394ps4.shtml See this picture.]]
** More like Blue with [[LethalChef Food Poisoning]]. Ash's other Pokémon have similar reactions to May's purple Pokéblocks.
** IkueOhtani's voice work really sells it, too: (''munching'') "Pika, pika...''pecch!!''"
* TheBigGuy: In every series' FiveManBand, except Diamond & Pearl.
* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe
* CassandraTruth: Regarding [[HeelFaceMole Team Rocket's Meowth]].
* CastFromHitPoints: Knows [[RideTheLightning Volt Tackle]].
** As of ''Best Wishes'', he seems to have forgotten it (as per Game Mechanics) to learn Electro Ball, but we'll see.
* CelibateHero: Seems to feel nothing else but embarrassment about Buneary's attraction to him.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: His enmity towards his evolved form Raichu. Aside from an early DP episode, this kind of behavior was never adhered to again when they meet other Raichu.
** It seems Pikachu doesn't hate ''all'' Raichu in general - unlike Tyson's Meowth in ''Advanced Generation'', who was positively ''murderous'' towards any Persian he saw - but rather that he gets pissed when they think they're stronger than him ''just because'' they're his evolved form. He ''was'' quite kind to the Raichu that Ash was trying to bond with during the Pokémon Summer Academy arc. Not all Pokémon refuse evolution out of spite for their evolved forms after all.
* ChekhovsSkill: [[ElementalPunch Volt]] [[WhipItGood Tail]], first seen in "Pika and Goliath", later reused as [[spoiler:the finishing blow against Tobias's Latios]].
* DeathGlare: Knows Leer.
** He's also capable of pretty powerful regular ones. Special note goes to the one [[spoiler: Meowth]] receives in [=BW050=].
* {{Determinator}}: Far more so in the early seasons, when it had to work to get all-powerful.
* {{Deuteragonist}}: for all intents and purposes, considering he and Ash have been together since the beginning
* EasyAmnesia: In the episode "A Scare to Remember" he was hit on the head by an object and forgot all about Ash, instead joining Team Rocket.
* EpilepticFlashingLights: ''He's'' the cause of it in the infamous "Electric Soldier Porygon" episode.
* ExtraOreDinary: Knows [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]].
* {{Foil}}: To Ash, of course. It's a ''lot'' more prominent in the earlier seasons, when Pikachu would frequently need to step in to prevent Ash from going clear off the deep end ([[CharacterDevelopment it's perhaps because Ash has matured somewhat over the course of the series that the contrast is less obvious in more recent episodes]]), but even to this day it's clear that Pikachu is much more reasonable and level-headed than his Trainer, and he's not above reproachful glares and exasperated sighs ([[CaptainObvious or, y'know, electrocution]]) when the humans around him get a little too stupid for their own good.
** Also with Dawn's Piplup during the ''Diamond & Pearl'' saga.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble
** Sanguine: Original series
** Supine (tears): Advance Generation
** Phlegmatic II: Diamond & Pearl and Best Wishes.
* FunnyBackgroundEvent: Usually the source of it in the early series (with the most famous being his association with ketchup), but can still pop up from time to time.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Initially to Ash, but warms up to him after Ash saves him from a flock of Spearows.
** TookALevelInKindness: Moreso in later episodes.
* HairTriggerTemper: A running gag in the earliest episodes is Pikachu getting pissed off and electrocuting people, usually Ash, for the slightest indiscretion.
* HeadPet[=/=]ParrotPetPosition: Changes between each position from time to time.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: Ash and he are ''inseparable''.
** He also has this kind of dynamic with Piplup in the DP saga.
* HotBlooded: He's more rational than Ash, but still loves the head-on approach and the battling all the same.
* IAmNotLeftHanded: Learning of Iron Tail means he can do this.
* IntelligibleUnintelligible: Well, to Ash anyway.
* InterspeciesRomance: Not all the way to Bayleef's level, but every so often he starts making eyes at human females - which amusingly makes him far more aware than his own trainer!
** Not to mention that he was the target of affection of two other mons; while one (Magnemite) was only attracted simply because of Pikachu's "electric fever", the second one (Buneary) was overly blatant.
* KamehameHadoken: Electro Ball.
* KillerRabbit: Ash has warned a few people that this is a Pokémon that can shock in a moment's notice, though Pikachu liked Misty and Ritchie owns a Pikachu himself nicknamed Sparky.
* TheLancer
* TheLeader: Default leader if the group is currently devoid of humans. Generally this to each team of Ash's Pokémon in whichever region.
** BigGood: Became this during the DP series where Chimchar is TheLeader.
* LightningBruiser: Was something of a FragileSpeedster to start off with, but after learning [[TookALevelInBadass Iron Tail and Volt Tackle]] he became a [[IncrediblyLamePun straight up bruiser]].
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realistic
* MirrorBoss: His final battle in the Hoenn League has him fighting a Meowth that knows most of the same moves that he has.
* [[NotAllowedToGrowUp Not Allowed To Evolve]]: Sort of justified as Pikachu doesn't ''want'' to evolve. While Ash has a Thunderstone from ''Electric Shock Showdown'', Team Rocket has recently stolen it from his hands.
** Not that either of them cared - that's pretty much resolved the debate of Pikachu's evolution, permanently.
* [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Pokémon]]: Not so much at first, but as time draws on it becomes rather obvious he's more level-headed than the other Pokémon, and even trainers.
** NotSoAboveItAll: Many an occasion shows he can be just as hot-blooded, if not moreso, than his trainer.
* PapaWolf: Hurt Togepi? BAD idea.
** See also TeamDad, below.
* PintSizedPowerhouse: One of the best examples in the show.
* ProperlyParanoid: [[spoiler:Of Meowth when he temporarily joins the group in [=BW=].]]
* PsychoElectro: [[spoiler:When possessed by Groudon.]]
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/ba/Pikachu_loves_ketchup.png Just look at it!]]
* RocketPunch: in "''The Punchy Pokémon''", although he was just faking one.
* RodentsOfUnusualSize
* ShockAndAwe: The ''only'' Electric type in the main team until Dawn captured a Pachirisu.
* SignatureMove: The "Thunder" series of attacks, and later, Volt Tackle. In fact, the latter was an ''actual exclusive'' for Pikachu's species as a whole.
* SilentSnarker: [[PokemonSpeak Okay, not quite silent]], but in the earlier episodes Pikachu seemed to be quite aware of Ash's IdiotHero tendencies.
* StatusQuoIsGod: Pikachu is adamant that he will ''never'' evolve into a Raichu. He also hates traveling in his Pokeball and insists on staying out of it at all times.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: When [[spoiler:possessed by Groudon; [[NightmareFuel Pikachu's never been scarier]].]]
* SuperSpeed: First showcased in the Vermillion Gym and stayed that way since. It even enabled him to learn Volt Tackle!
* [[SurroundedByIdiots Surrounded By Idiotic Pokémon]]: Almost all of the Pokémon have some sort of quirk that makes Pikachu look like the OnlySaneMan by comparison. [[NotSoAboveItAll Not to say he doesn't do some dumb stuff himself...]]
* TakenForGranite: He was once captured and turned to stone by Hunter J.
* TeamDad: Pikachu is often trying ''real'' hard to guide & care for all the younger (or just less experienced) Pokémon, and is highly protective of them - from babies like Togepi, to young children like Axew, to even his buddy Piplup. In fact, it's likely part of the reason he was so infuriated by [[spoiler: Meowth's reveal as a HeelFaceMole]] in [=BW050=].
* ThirdOptionAdaptation: Former TropeNamer. Instead of Ash choosing a starter like in the games, he was given Pikachu, and was able to obtain the starters later.
* TookALevelInBadass: Learning Agility and Quick Attack in "Electric Shock Showdown", for starters.
** He has Iron Tail, for times when that doesn't work.
* TrademarkFavoriteFood: Ketchup.
* VocalEvolution: Pikachu's voice has gotten higher in the newer episodes starting in 2003.
* WorfHadTheFlu: Several times, but there was one occasion where it was actually used to his ''advantage'': AppliedPhlebotinum caused Pikachu to strike a fever, which also gave him an insane power-up, [[CurbStompBattle leading to Ash's easy victory over Wattson]].
[[/folder]]
%%%
%%Being supporting cast who both premiered in Kanto, Joy and Jenny belong on Pokémon Anime Original Series page.
%%%
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Ash Ketchum (Satoshi)]]
[[quoteright:240:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Ash_BW_788.png]]
[[caption-width-right:240:Troper, [[CatchPhrase I CHOOSE YOU!]]]]
-->'''Voiced in Japanese by:''' RicaMatsumoto
-->'''Voiced in English by:''' VeronicaTaylor (4Kids), Kayzie Rogers (10 year anniversary pilot, PUSA, credited as "Jamie Peacock"), Sarah Natochenny (current)
The star of the series, Ash is in many ways the archetypal IdiotHero. He won many of his early battles on dumb luck and/or some form of ThePowerOfFriendship. As the series has gone on [[LongRunners and on]] he has improved greatly in this regard, but has arguably gotten dumber in regards to his social life. Also, his progression as a trainer has more or less wrecked some of the dynamic he had with his supporting cast, as he no longer needs Misty and Brock to counterbalance his original inexperience. But hell...they're still [[TrueCompanions his best friends]].
[[hardline]]
* {{Adorkable}}: Moreso when he started out.
* AllLovingHero: Even after [[spoiler: Meowth betrays him]], Ash says he'll always treasure their time together.
* AlmightyJanitor: After finishing the Battle Frontier, Ash was offered the position of a Frontier Brain, but declined it in favor of his journey, although he can still take up Scott's offer later.
** His current treatment as a "rookie" trainer also counts; as detailed below, in his young age he has already competed in so many competitions already, and had the experience for it as well.
* AlwaysSecondBest: When the regional conference comes around, you can expect him to do well - perhaps make the quarter finals, or the semi finals if he is lucky - but never actually ''win''. Then again, it could just be the writers deliberately parodying the trope, with Tobias and his team of [[OlympusMons Legendaries]] ([[AssPull and there is no explanation regarding any of them]]) in the Sinnoh League and [[spoiler: Cameron's Riolu, not only beating [[ElementalRockPaperScissors Unfezant]], but [[DiabolusExMachina evolving into a Lucario to beat Snivy and Pikachu]]]] in Unova.
* ArtEvolution: Ash has changed his clothes and appearance a few times in the past, but [[http://a.imageshack.us/img412/2619/newash.jpg his Unova outfit seems to change his very character design. Just look at those eyes]].
* AshFace: Ash's recalcitrant Charizard has done this to him [[RunningGag several times]]. To be fair, in the English dub [[MeaningfulName he was asking for it]].
** WhatDidYouExpectWhenYouNamedIt: Probably not intentional, but still funny.
* AttractiveBentGender: Ash is somehow convinced by May to dress up as a girl during one Hoenn episode, and does it so well, ''Brock'' forgets what's going on! HilarityEnsues.
** This is a RunningGag where Ash will dress as a girl at least once per saga - [=EP026=], [=AG042=], [=DP062=] and [=BW098=].
** [[{{Irony}} Ironically]], during the Bell of Wishes Festival in [=BW071=], Ash was the ''only'' participant to pick out a male to cosplay (Alder), while both Cilan and Stephan needed to crossdress (as Elesa and Nurse Joy, respectively!)
* AuraVision: He has this ability. He doesn't really have any idea how to USE it, though. Not that it matters, because it never shows up.
* BackFromTheDead: If anyone is counting, Ash has died at ''least'' three times and has been resurrected by Pokémon each time.
* BadassAdorable: He's capable of using Aura, he shows superhuman reflexes...and he's '''so cute!'''
* BadassNormal: It's easy to forget he's 10 considering the kinds of things he can do, made even more apparent in the movies.
* BalefulPolymorph: Briefly turns into a Pikachu in "Hocus Pokémon".
* BalloonBelly: [=DP055=] and again in [=BW042=].
* TheBattleDidntCount: He actually tells this to [[TheRival Trip]] when he refuses to battle him a second time and says that Pikachu [[BroughtDownToNormal wasn't up to ]] [[DiabolusExMachina the task when]] [[AssPull they first battled]]. Regardless, no one but the audience believes him.
* BerserkButton: His ''hat'' the first time it was stolen. Ironically, the thief also turned out to be TheBerserker.
** Don't insult his relationship with Pikachu either - ESPECIALLY don't tell him that Pikachu abandoned him or vice versa. Just look at Movie 8.
** "ENTEI! You took my mother, now where is she?!"
** Similar to [[Film/BackToTheFuture Marty McFly]]: "[[NobodyCallsMeChicken Nobody calls me coward]]!"
** He's also [[PapaWolf fiercely protective]] of his Pokémon (especially Pikachu), and of his human friends as well. In [=DP003=], Team Rocket had a moment of genuine GenreSavvy when he [[InASingleBound dodged their attacks and leapt onto the arm of their machine, climbing upward to save Pikachu]].
--> '''Meowth''': Aah, [[OhCrap he's got that look in his eye!!]]
* BigBrotherMentor: Sometimes to a CharacterOfTheDay, but most notably towards both May and Max - NotAllowedToGrowUp aside, he was always ready to dispense some personal advice and assistance to the Petalburg siblings, and it's clear that both of them look up to him as a veteran trainer. Ash also seemed to take responsibility for their well-being: the first time May lost a Contest, he lamented that he should've spent more time teaching her, and during the time she pushed her Bulbasaur too hard (and lost for a second time), he was patient and forgiving even while she was acting like a brat. With Max, he seems to be an honourary big brother, since the boy is quick to point out Ash's lack of 'book smarts' (so to speak), yet whenever the party splits up, he and Max (more often than not) are teamed up.
* BigEater: Oh, boy. If there's one thing he loves as much as Pokémon and battling, it's food. This was also somewhat lampshaded in the mid-Advanced Generation episodes, where after a bunch of episodes where he's shown pigging out, he started to get a little chubby.
** The one ''human'' who might outperform him in this category is May, though to be fair, wasting food is a BerserkButton for them both.
* BigWordShout: [[SkywardScream "PIKACHU!!!!!!!!"]]
* BookDumb: Give him a written test on Pokémon or ask him what moves a given Pokémon learns, etc. and he'll fail every time.
* BookEnds: The sighting of Ho-Oh during the original series.
* [[ABoyAndHisX A Boy And His Pikachu]]
* BreakTheCutie: On MANY occasions.
* BreakTheHaughty: Whenever Ash begins to feel too overconfident about his skills, this is what it tends to happened
* BrownEyes
* ButtMonkey: Especially in the Unova saga.
* CharacterTics: Flipping his hat from front to back, whenever he gets serious. Disappears in the transition to the AG saga, until the ninth movie. He finally does it again in the series in [=DP189=].
** And now he's doing it again in ''Best Wishes''.
** While rare, he's also prone to a pose that wouldn't look out of place in ''Series/KamenRider''.
* CharmPoint: His hat.
* ChasteHero: Ash '''''is''''' this trope.
** CharacterizationMarchesOn: [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness With the strange, early exception of]] [[EnsembleDarkhorse Giselle]].
* ChickMagnet: Shipping aside, several girls have developed genuine feelings for him, [[InterspeciesRomance not all of them human]]. Ash, however, remains totally oblivious with the exception mentioned above.
* ChronicHeroSyndrome
* TheChosenOne: Ash seems to be the go-to guy for any Legendary which needs a hero to help them. In addition, he's officially been this for the Lugia in ''Anime/{{Pokemon 2000}}'' (though this is [[{{Woolseyism}} dub-only]]), ''might'' be it for Ho-Oh given how many times he sees the damned phoenix, and for [[spoiler: Azelf of the Lake Trio.]]
** He's been hinted (though as yet unconfirmed) to be the Hero of Ideals chosen by Zekrom (the {{Foreshadowing}} in the first ''Best Wishes'' episode is rather blatant). [[spoiler:''N'', meanwhile is hinted to be the Hero of Truth chosen by Reshiram.]]
* ClothingDamage: Ash's first wardrobe change was basically done for no particular storyline reason (besides the series-change from Original to ''Advanced Generation''). His second one was because he pulled a ColossusClimb on Team Rocket's mecha at the beginning of the season and it exploded underneath him, leaving him rather unkempt (though his mother had sent him the new clothes before this anyway).
* ComedicUnderwearExposure:
** After losing to Sabrina for the first time, Sabrina's father showed him that guts aren't enough to beat someone with psychic powers - by telekinetically pulling his pants down, exposing his white boxers.
** A Corphish knocked Ash and his friends into a lake, and he got reduced to wearing his shirt, [[YouCanLeaveYourHatOn his hat]], and his black and blue striped boxers. (crosses over with HangingOurClothesToDry).
** Often played with as Ash's mother's words of advice before leaving were to "change his you-know-whats every day".
* CooldownHug: Ash was subject to this in the movies when his temper get the best of him (7 and 8 come to mind), and the one to cool him down was May.
** Also delivers them to Pokémon, notably Chimchar (in [[UnstoppableRage Blaze]]) and Pikachu (BrainwashedAndCrazy). Gets bitten, flamed at and shocked for his trouble, but [[MadeOfIron shakes it off]] for their sake.
* CrossdressingVoices - In English, Japanese, and German (among others).
* CultureBlind: It's suprising how a guy who is so obsessed with Pokémon could be so completely ignorant others in the other areas.
* CurbStompBattle: His crushing loss to Paul in the 2 part episode where they have a full battle.
** He himself unintentionally delivers one against the Hoenn gym leader Watson.
* TheCutie: In the older episodes.
* DeadpanSnarker: [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness Had his moments of this in the older episodes]].
* {{Determinator}}: And HOW.
** Ultimate proof of this? During the Diamond and Pearl saga. Azelf, the being of Willpower, chose to connect with him.
* DemonicPossession: One episode of Battle Frontier had him possessed by the ancient King of Pokélantis.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: In the Battle Frontier and later in the Sinnoh League. He was the ''only'' trainer shown who could defeat Tobias's [[spoiler:[[OlympusMons Darkrai]]]] in the Sinnoh semifinals, and was able to take out his [[spoiler:Latios, but lost since Pikachu fainted at the same time]]. Even though Ash [[CurbStompBattle lost 6 to 2]] in the end, it's still much closer than anyone else got to beating Tobias in the tournament.
* DisappearedDad: Does anyone know him?
** Was only mentioned once in the second episode, but afterwards...
** [[WordOfGod Storyboarder Masamitsu Hidaka said that he's on his own journey]], it's just that the writers didn't bother to develop him]]. So unless they had a need to, we probably won't be seeing him.
* TheDitz: At times he's pretty much [[SailorMoon Usagi Tsukino]] if she was a little boy.
** GeniusDitz: He's really quite talented in Pokémon battling.
* DragonRider: Several times with Charizard, although there ''are'' instances when he rides other Dragon Pokémon.
* DudeWheresMyRespect: Despite having pretty impressive stats when it comes to accomplishments, it's very rare for other characters to actually acknowledge this.
** Case in point: Trip. Granted, he probably doesn't watch the other regions' Leagues, but still.
** For one battle, this is actually ''averted''. When he goes to the Battle Frontier and does battle with Tucker, he gets swarmed by press and/or paparazzi, and his numerous achievements are actively talked about.
* EnemyMine: With Paul in DP's first season finale...they ended up winning, but certainly not because they were working together!
** Frequently happens in movies with Team Rocket; most of the time anyway...
* EpicFail: Pikachu, who had just [[spoiler: tied with a ''Latios'' in Sinnoh]], losing to a trainer who had literally just recieved their Unova starter. Give us all the excuses you want about [[DiabolusExMachina Zekrom stopping Pikachu from using Electric-type attacks]], but surely one Iron Tail (or even a Tackle) would have beaten a new trainer and their Snivy?
* FacialMarkings: Those little zig-zags under his eyes.
* FailureIsTheOnlyOption: Ash doesn't capture that many Pokémon, and ''never'' seems to win a major tournament.
** Though with regards to the former, the idea that most trainers will capture dozens of Pokémon appears to have been retconned into "only exceptional trainers catch that many Pokémon", and Ash himself [[CommonKnowledge hasn't actually cited that goal since the early days of the show]] - it's strongly implied that while he still wants to capture Pokémon, it's more about bonding with new friends and partners and less about having them all anymore (when Gary insulted the low number of Pokémon Ash'd caught in "Showdown at the Poké-Corral", Ash retorted that his stronger bond with each of them individually is more inportant). Besides, he sees more different species in a few years of travelling than more people would see in a lifetime.
* FingerlessGloves: Never leaves home without them.
* {{Fingore}}: Family-friendly version: how he first met his Krabby, after the latter didn't take kindly to Ash's "shrimp" comment.
* {{Flanderization}}: Many of his IdiotHero qualities were due to his youthful immaturity rather than intellect problems in the beginning, but as Ash matured as a trainer, they became due to full-blown stupidity instead.
* ForegoneConclusion: He will never win any important regional league. He wins the unimportant ones, though.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: Rather blatantly, the first episode of the Team Plasma arc in Best Wishes hints Ash to be the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom. Ironically, given how the games went, the same trailer also showed [[UnwittingPawn N]] to possibly be Reshiram's Hero of Truths.
** {{Fauxshadowing}}: ...And nothing came from that, unfortunately.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: The Choleric, in every series.
* FreudianTrio
** TheKirk: During the ''Advanced Generation'' & ''Diamond and Pearl'' series.
** TheMcCoy: During the ''Original'' & ''Best Wishes'' series.
* FriendToAllChildren: "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!" proved this.
* GracefulLoser: Most of the time Ash takes defeat, if not gracefully, then by congratulating his own Pokémon for giving a good fight.
* TheGreatestStoryNeverTold: Ash is occasionally identified by characters of the day who saw him eat dirt during a televised tournament, but not often -- even May and Dawn get recognized more often for winning random contests. Nobody ever seems to recognize Ash as the guy who smacked down ''two'' Legendaries in ''official'' Frontier matches [[spoiler:and two more in the Sinnoh League semifinals ''on live television'']], or who saved the world every summer since 1998.
** To be fair, the live television legendary beatings were recent, and the next region he went to was in a different country.
* HairColorDissonance: under certain lighting, his hair is sometimes depicted as ''dark green''.
* HereWeGoAgain: Ash really cannot go a single region without having to be treated like a rookie again. Unova is the most apparent, where Ash is written into the plot as if someone who is new to Pokémon is just starting to get into the series. Having Iris berate him for it at every opportunity didn't help any.
** It got better after a few episodes though, when he steadied down on the initial excitement and hyperactivity - case in point, when first trying to catch Snivy he threw the ball immediately, but not out of idiocy; rather, he'd tried to get her while she was distracted and ''after'' that failed, he subsequently fought her. His excitable nature in the series is pretty consistent, really, no matter how much he learns.
* HeroBall: Team Rocket is supposedly "evil" to his eyes, yet, he helps them when they're in trouble.
* HeroicBSOD: Several throughout the series, the most notable was when he lost to [[TheRival Ritchie]] in the Indigo League.
** Ash has a pretty huge BSOD moment again after a crushing 6-2 loss against Paul.
* HotBlooded: For Arceus's sake, he's voiced by RicaMatsumoto in the Japanese version!
* IdiotBall: Okay, Ash. For the 267th time, the man with blue hair, the woman with long red hair and the talking Meowth are not to be trusted. No matter what they are offering, they are not to be trusted. Understand? Probably not.
* IdiotHero: Gets smarter in regards to Pokémon training (until Unova sets him back), but he stays an idiot in other areas.
** To further emphasize this point, "Capacia Island UFO!" involved a bunch of Beheeyem hypnotizing the whole town in order to help them find a device needed to get their UFO running again. They say that they were able to get everyone but a small group of people. Those people being Ash, Jesse, and James. They started to get Pikachu, but Ash snapped him out of it. Using Meowth as a translator, when asked why they weren't hypnotized, Beheeyem said that its hard to hypnotize idiots. Ash, Pikachu, Jesse, and James all have a blank expression of disbelief on their faces from the reaction.
* ImageSong: ''Mesaze Pokémon Master'', ''Rivals'', ''OK!'', ''Challenger!'', ''Spurt!'', ''Type Wild!''. ''High Touch'' counts for both him and Dawn.
* InASingleBound: Inexplicably, Ash can leap many times his own height.
* IncrediblyLamePun: [[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:Ash_cow_suit.png This]] from the fourth episode. The pun works better in the original version.
* InnocentlyInsensitive: From time to time
* InterspeciesFriendship: Mostly with Pikachu, but he considers all of his Pokémon to be his friends.
* [[InterspeciesRomance Interspecies]] ShipTease: Ash's rather touchy-feely relationship with Pikachu aside, he's been crushed on by [[ClingyJealousGirl Chikorita]] (who later evolved into [[DoesNotKnowHerOwnStrength Bayleef]]), [[EverythingsBetterWithMonkeys Aipom]], and [[UpToEleven now]] [[EvenTheGuysWantHim Oshawott]]. [[OlympusMons Latias]] in [[Anime/PokemonHeroes one of the movies]] actually [[spoiler:might have kissed him on the cheek in the end]], making her tied (with [[spoiler:the human Melody]]) for the furthest anyone's ever gotten with him throughout the entire series.
* IronButtMonkey: Most of them are PlayedForLaughs, especially when it comes to his own Pokémon being responsible for his misfortunes. This is at its finest at the beginning of the Lily of the Valley Conference, where all the Pokémon that he called up from Oak's lab greet him by...attacking him, one after another.
** If the movies are taken into account, then to date he's been: Beaten up, electrocuted and burned countless times, hit by a chandelier, petrified at least once, half drowned twice (First in an episode of the original series, second in the Manaphy movie), eaten by a sentient tree (no really), dropped from a great height numerous times, and much, ''much'' more.
* '''{{Keet}}'''
* TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers: He gets his hat stolen by Mankey in season 1, and then several times by Aipom in seasons 9 & 10 (both are monkeys). The third time his hat gets stolen (in Season 14) a duck (Ducklett) steals it.
** It was also kind of taken briefly by Snorunt in Season 8...except this turned out to be Snorunt's way of letting the others know he was OK and leading them to him.
* LethalChef
* LetsGetDangerous: Turning his hat backwards means he's serious.
* MacGuffinEscortMission: Tasked with delivering the [[MacGuffin GS Ball]] to Professor Ivy.
* MadeOfIron: He's survived stuff no normal 10 year old boy should be able to.
* MagneticHero: Naturally, Ash draws a lot of attention from Pokémon who end up joining his team.
** The more interesting extension is that the Pokémon he trains end up turning into natural leaders as well. Pidgeot is now head of a massive flock on Route 1. Bulbasaur is the lead peacekeeper at Oak's ranch. Squirtle ''started'' as the leader of a gang, and went back to that. Then there are the several times one of the team is caught by Team Rocket and isolated from the trainers, and proceeds to coordinate fellow detainees into a revolt. (Pikachu, Starly, etc.)
* [[MeaningfulName Meaningful]][=/=]PunnyName: "[[GottaCatchThemAll Ketchum]]", anybody?
** The dub of the second movie takes it one step further:
-->''And the world shall turn to '''Ash'''.''
* {{Memento MacGuffin}}: Cutlery, a handkerchief and a fishing lure, one half of the Terracotta Ribbon and a Teddiursa carving, from Brock, Misty and May (two each from the girls), respectively. The latter four appear later in the series, while Brock's gift was important...[[WhatHappenedToTheMouse for only one episode]].
* MommasBoy: Don't screw with his mother around him. [[BerserkButton Just...don't.]]
* NiceGuy: Well, his heart is bigger than all the regions AND the Orange Islands combined, so to speak.
* {{Nice Hat}}s
* NotAllowedToGrowUp: Ash Ketchum [[WordOfGod will forever be 10 years old]], as well as the other main characters being their own ages as well. However, as far as the Dub goes, the Pokémon series documented the passing of at least three years. Ash has noted a year's time passing between his first two visits to Viridian City (dub-only), celebrated the anniversary (when Ash and Pikachu first started their journey) during his time in Johto (which would ''presumably'' be on the same day as Viridian City), and that ''another'' year passed since he first met May.
** Until ''Best Wishes'' came, where even the dub {{Narrator}} outright states that Ash is ''still'' [[FridgeLogic ten]]. [[BrokenBase Take from that what you will]], but a number of fans [[FanDiscontinuity just pretend these words were never uttered]].
* ObliviousToLove: [[CharacterizationMarchesOn In later seasons]]. For example, in the first season, he knows damn well that Butterfree is trying to court a mate in "Bye Bye Butterfree". In the most recent season, he is completely clueless that a Cottonee wants to do the same and thinks that it just "wants to make a best buddy".
** Though he seems to be growing out of it a bit as he could tell that Oshawott was in love.
* OnlyOneName: Averted in the dub, played completely straight in the Japanese version.
* PalsWithJesus: How many legendary Pokémon has he (and even his close friends) befriended? The most notable include the Creation Trio in Movies 10-12 (as well as [[{{God}} Arceus]]), Lugia in the Orange Islands, and the Lake Trio [[spoiler:especially Azelf, for whom he is TheChosenOne]], as well as [[spoiler: possibly as the Hero of Ideals for Zekrom]].
* PapaWolf: Never hurt his friends, human or Pokémon. He even tends to go to more reckless lengths in order to save them when they're in danger.
* PowerCopying: Starting with the beginning of the Advance Generation series, whenever Ash sees someone use a move that's worth using, he decides to teach his Pokémon that move (starting with Iron Tail).
* ThePowerOfFriendship: He caught several Pokémon without having to fight. Saving their lives was enough for them.
* PuppyDogEyes
* PsychicPowers: Has the power of Aura.
* RealMenWearPink: Aside from his crossdressing episodes, there was one episode where he, along with Misty and Brock, wore identical Slowpoke costumes.
* RedOniBlueOni: The red to all of his main series rival's blue.
* RescueRomance: one-sided canon: GirlOfTheWeek Macy, Ash's first quasi-important opponent in the Johto League, fell for him '''hard''' when he saved her from a fall. On a platonic sense, this applies to some of his Pokémon as well.
* ResetButton: Well, at least they tried to justify Pikachu losing his strength in Best Wishes. But seriously - the little guy just [[spoiler: tied with a Latios]]. How hard could it be to beat a new trainer and their Snivy?
* RuleOfCool: The reason why Ash's Pokémon are capable of pulling so many cool maneuvers.
* RunningGag: In the movies, his tendency to [[RammingAlwaysWorks ram into things, mostly barriers]].
** If you're a girl that has a bike (Except Iris), never let it near him or Pikachu.
** His badges (and hat) seem to get stolen one way or the other every region.
*** The badges weren't taken in Kanto (or the Orange Islands), but to be fair that was ''before'' the RunningGag was established.
** Also, Bianca knocking him into water.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: He's the Manly Man to his male companions Brock, Tracey and Cilan (all definitely Sensitive Guys). With each of his 'primary' rivals (Gary, Paul & Trip) though, he's the Sensitive Guy.
* ShonenHair
* SignatureMove: Out of all of his improvised techniques, the [[EverythingsBetterWithSpinning Counter]]-[[BeamSpam Shield]] is the only one used with enough regularity to become a signature technique.
** It's also worth mentioning that, even though Seismic Toss is frequently referred to as Charizard's signature finisher, he only uses it while Ash is in command (even in "Volcanic Panic").
* TalkingToHimself: VeronicaTaylor voiced him, his mom, and May.
** [[IAmNotSpock I Am Not Ash]]: She seems to have encountered this sort of problem herself. Yet, she ''did'' enjoy her time as Ash, anyway, so...
* ThisLoserIsYou: Ash pretty much acts the way any little kid playing the games for the first time would act, but within the show's universe
** Admittedly, Ash actually has achieved quite ''a lot'' over the course of the show, it's just he's unfortunately TheHero of a series that runs on both NotAllowedToGrowUp and AlwaysSomeoneBetter.
* ToBeAMaster
* TryingNotToCry: Ash releasing his Pokémon, leaving his long time friends (however that was just Brock and Misty), getting defeated by Gary in [=EP116=] [[spoiler:and Paul in [=DP132=]]].
* {{Tuckerization}}: Satoshi is the name of the head of Game Freak and creator of the games: Satoshi Tajiri.
* VictoryPose: Whether it's winning an important battle or just capturing a new Pokémon. Lampshaded in his capture of Starly, when he feels inadequate pulling the VictoryPose off in Pikachu's absence.
* WildMassGuessing: Just who is is father anyways?
* YankTheDogsChain: [[spoiler:Well congratulations Ash! you managed to make it to the Final Four in the Sinnoh League, scored a decisive victory against your arc-long rival, ''and'' even managed to KO Tobias's Darkrai...oh wait, he has a Latios too. Sucks for you.]]
** Though to be fair, [[spoiler: Ash considers Tobias a WorthyOpponent, and Tobias returns the sentiment by the end. How often do you get to face down a trainer with not one, but ''two'' legendaries under their wing - let alone get the chance to ''defeat'' them. There's no doubt the InUniverse audience ''loved'' that battle!]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Ash's Pikachu]]
[[quoteright:275:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PikachuAnime.png]]
->'''Voiced by:''' IkueOhtani
Ash's faithful partner Pokémon. Unlike most of its species, Ash's Pikachu refuses to stay cooped up inside its Poké Ball for an extended period of time. Tropes involving Ash's Pikachu include:
[[hardline]]
* AchillesInHisTent: Mostly from the first season, the most blatant example being Ash's Gym battle with Misty; Pikachu's excuse was allegedly because he doesn't want to fight a friend.
** Played for laughs in "The Flame Pokémon-Athon!" when Ash decided to sic him against a stampede of Tauros; Pikachu pretended to go to sleep instead.
* AmbiguousGender: Like most Pokémon, Pikachu's gender. "Where No Togepi Has Gone Before" finally confirms that Pikachu is male.
* ArtEvolution: Compare his character pic above with [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixZFIJbiklo his first appearance]]. Maybe all the battling and traveling caused him to lose weight?
** In ''Best Wishes'', his attacks look better. For example, Iron Tail goes from [[PowerGlows a glowing-white tail to a shiny-black tail]]
* BadassAdorable: One of the strongest of Ash's Pokémon, the first one of them to defeat a Pseudo-legendary Pokémon (a Dragonite) and the second one to defeat a Legendary Pokémon (a Regice).
** He's normally Badass, winning major battles quite often. He won Ash's battles against Lt. Surge, Whitney (against THAT Milktank), Roxanne, Wattson, Tate and Liza, Juan, Burgh, Elesa, Roxie and Trip, and that's just off the top of my head, let alone the fact he contributed to the wins against many other Gym Leaders and League Matches with knock outs.
* BadlyBatteredBabysitter: Mostly regarding Togepi, but he becomes this again when Dawn's Pokémon are concerned.
* BagOfSpilling: Along with his trainer, Pikachu's competence seems to reset every time they enter a new region. The most egregious example of this case would be Pikachu losing to Trip's starter Pokémon Snivy who hadn't fought a single battle in its life at the beginning of the BW arc after [[spoiler:tying with a [[OlympusMons Latios]]]] at the end of the DP arc.
** Losing to Snivy was partially [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as interference from Zekrom left him unable to use electricity...except for the fact that Pikachu at that point knew both Quick Attack and Iron Tail, neither of which require electricity.
* BalloonBelly: [=EP171=], [=DP055=] and [=DP098=]
* BerserkButton: Sure, there's the thing about protecting his friends, but [=BW048=] showed that if you [[spoiler:betray his trust]], HE. WILL. BE. PISSED.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Ordinarily, Pikachu's fairly docile and one of Ash's more patient Mons. However, there's a limit to that patience. If you dare attack it, particularly while its back is turned, all bets are officially off. Even Bulbasaur and Squirtle freeze in fear at an angered Pikachu.
* BlueWithShock: [[http://serebii.net/anime/pictures/houen/394ps4.shtml See this picture.]]
** More like Blue with [[LethalChef Food Poisoning]]. Ash's other Pokémon have similar reactions to May's purple Pokéblocks.
** IkueOhtani's voice work really sells it, too: (''munching'') "Pika, pika...''pecch!!''"
* TheBigGuy: In every series' FiveManBand, except Diamond & Pearl.
* BroughtDownToNormal[=/=]StrongAsTheyNeedToBe
* CassandraTruth: Regarding [[HeelFaceMole Team Rocket's Meowth]].
* CastFromHitPoints: Knows [[RideTheLightning Volt Tackle]].
** As of ''Best Wishes'', he seems to have forgotten it (as per Game Mechanics) to learn Electro Ball, but we'll see.
* CelibateHero: Seems to feel nothing else but embarrassment about Buneary's attraction to him.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: His enmity towards his evolved form Raichu. Aside from an early DP episode, this kind of behavior was never adhered to again when they meet other Raichu.
** It seems Pikachu doesn't hate ''all'' Raichu in general - unlike Tyson's Meowth in ''Advanced Generation'', who was positively ''murderous'' towards any Persian he saw - but rather that he gets pissed when they think they're stronger than him ''just because'' they're his evolved form. He ''was'' quite kind to the Raichu that Ash was trying to bond with during the Pokémon Summer Academy arc. Not all Pokémon refuse evolution out of spite for their evolved forms after all.
* ChekhovsSkill: [[ElementalPunch Volt]] [[WhipItGood Tail]], first seen in "Pika and Goliath", later reused as [[spoiler:the finishing blow against Tobias's Latios]].
* DeathGlare: Knows Leer.
** He's also capable of pretty powerful regular ones. Special note goes to the one [[spoiler: Meowth]] receives in [=BW050=].
* {{Determinator}}: Far more so in the early seasons, when it had to work to get all-powerful.
* {{Deuteragonist}}: for all intents and purposes, considering he and Ash have been together since the beginning
* EasyAmnesia: In the episode "A Scare to Remember" he was hit on the head by an object and forgot all about Ash, instead joining Team Rocket.
* EpilepticFlashingLights: ''He's'' the cause of it in the infamous "Electric Soldier Porygon" episode.
* ExtraOreDinary: Knows [[WhipItGood Iron Tail]].
* {{Foil}}: To Ash, of course. It's a ''lot'' more prominent in the earlier seasons, when Pikachu would frequently need to step in to prevent Ash from going clear off the deep end ([[CharacterDevelopment it's perhaps because Ash has matured somewhat over the course of the series that the contrast is less obvious in more recent episodes]]), but even to this day it's clear that Pikachu is much more reasonable and level-headed than his Trainer, and he's not above reproachful glares and exasperated sighs ([[CaptainObvious or, y'know, electrocution]]) when the humans around him get a little too stupid for their own good.
** Also with Dawn's Piplup during the ''Diamond & Pearl'' saga.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble
** Sanguine: Original series
** Supine (tears): Advance Generation
** Phlegmatic II: Diamond & Pearl and Best Wishes.
* FunnyBackgroundEvent: Usually the source of it in the early series (with the most famous being his association with ketchup), but can still pop up from time to time.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Initially to Ash, but warms up to him after Ash saves him from a flock of Spearows.
** TookALevelInKindness: Moreso in later episodes.
* HairTriggerTemper: A running gag in the earliest episodes is Pikachu getting pissed off and electrocuting people, usually Ash, for the slightest indiscretion.
* HeadPet[=/=]ParrotPetPosition: Changes between each position from time to time.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: Ash and he are ''inseparable''.
** He also has this kind of dynamic with Piplup in the DP saga.
* HotBlooded: He's more rational than Ash, but still loves the head-on approach and the battling all the same.
* IAmNotLeftHanded: Learning of Iron Tail means he can do this.
* IntelligibleUnintelligible: Well, to Ash anyway.
* InterspeciesRomance: Not all the way to Bayleef's level, but every so often he starts making eyes at human females - which amusingly makes him far more aware than his own trainer!
** Not to mention that he was the target of affection of two other mons; while one (Magnemite) was only attracted simply because of Pikachu's "electric fever", the second one (Buneary) was overly blatant.
* KamehameHadoken: Electro Ball.
* KillerRabbit: Ash has warned a few people that this is a Pokémon that can shock in a moment's notice, though Pikachu liked Misty and Ritchie owns a Pikachu himself nicknamed Sparky.
* TheLancer
* TheLeader: Default leader if the group is currently devoid of humans. Generally this to each team of Ash's Pokémon in whichever region.
** BigGood: Became this during the DP series where Chimchar is TheLeader.
* LightningBruiser: Was something of a FragileSpeedster to start off with, but after learning [[TookALevelInBadass Iron Tail and Volt Tackle]] he became a [[IncrediblyLamePun straight up bruiser]].
** He's still a FragileSpeedster but its FridgeBrilliance when one recalls that's a characteristic of his species. He hits hard, but doesn't take hits so well. He can take out a Regice, Milotic, Espeon, Serperior, Leavanny, Garbador, Nosepass, Frostlass, ect, but can also be taken out by Snivy, Sneasel, Driftblim, Luxray, Ursaring, ect and still be realistic
* MirrorBoss: His final battle in the Hoenn League has him fighting a Meowth that knows most of the same moves that he has.
* [[NotAllowedToGrowUp Not Allowed To Evolve]]: Sort of justified as Pikachu doesn't ''want'' to evolve. While Ash has a Thunderstone from ''Electric Shock Showdown'', Team Rocket has recently stolen it from his hands.
** Not that either of them cared - that's pretty much resolved the debate of Pikachu's evolution, permanently.
* [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Pokémon]]: Not so much at first, but as time draws on it becomes rather obvious he's more level-headed than the other Pokémon, and even trainers.
** NotSoAboveItAll: Many an occasion shows he can be just as hot-blooded, if not moreso, than his trainer.
* PapaWolf: Hurt Togepi? BAD idea.
** See also TeamDad, below.
* PintSizedPowerhouse: One of the best examples in the show.
* ProperlyParanoid: [[spoiler:Of Meowth when he temporarily joins the group in [=BW=].]]
* PsychoElectro: [[spoiler:When possessed by Groudon.]]
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: [[http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/b/ba/Pikachu_loves_ketchup.png Just look at it!]]
* RocketPunch: in "''The Punchy Pokémon''", although he was just faking one.
* RodentsOfUnusualSize
* ShockAndAwe: The ''only'' Electric type in the main team until Dawn captured a Pachirisu.
* SignatureMove: The "Thunder" series of attacks, and later, Volt Tackle. In fact, the latter was an ''actual exclusive'' for Pikachu's species as a whole.
* SilentSnarker: [[PokemonSpeak Okay, not quite silent]], but in the earlier episodes Pikachu seemed to be quite aware of Ash's IdiotHero tendencies.
* StatusQuoIsGod: Pikachu is adamant that he will ''never'' evolve into a Raichu. He also hates traveling in his Pokeball and insists on staying out of it at all times.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: When [[spoiler:possessed by Groudon; [[NightmareFuel Pikachu's never been scarier]].]]
* SuperSpeed: First showcased in the Vermillion Gym and stayed that way since. It even enabled him to learn Volt Tackle!
* [[SurroundedByIdiots Surrounded By Idiotic Pokémon]]: Almost all of the Pokémon have some sort of quirk that makes Pikachu look like the OnlySaneMan by comparison. [[NotSoAboveItAll Not to say he doesn't do some dumb stuff himself...]]
* TakenForGranite: He was once captured and turned to stone by Hunter J.
* TeamDad: Pikachu is often trying ''real'' hard to guide & care for all the younger (or just less experienced) Pokémon, and is highly protective of them - from babies like Togepi, to young children like Axew, to even his buddy Piplup. In fact, it's likely part of the reason he was so infuriated by [[spoiler: Meowth's reveal as a HeelFaceMole]] in [=BW050=].
* ThirdOptionAdaptation: Former TropeNamer. Instead of Ash choosing a starter like in the games, he was given Pikachu, and was able to obtain the starters later.
* TookALevelInBadass: Learning Agility and Quick Attack in "Electric Shock Showdown", for starters.
** He has Iron Tail, for times when that doesn't work.
* TrademarkFavoriteFood: Ketchup.
* VocalEvolution: Pikachu's voice has gotten higher in the newer episodes starting in 2003.
* WorfHadTheFlu: Several times, but there was one occasion where it was actually used to his ''advantage'': AppliedPhlebotinum caused Pikachu to strike a fever, which also gave him an insane power-up, [[CurbStompBattle leading to Ash's easy victory over Wattson]].
[[/folder]]
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%%Being supporting cast who both premiered in Kanto, Joy and Jenny belong on Pokémon Anime Original Series page.
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