Ash Ketchum: Difference between revisions

Already in the first episode, it becomes clear that Ash wants to become a Pokémon Master and gives his all for it. He is very ambitious and determined. When saying goodbye to his mother, he seems happy to finally be able to leave. His courage becomes clear during the first battle against Team Rocket. Ash's ambition is also evident when, upon entering a town with a Gym, he wants to visit it immediately, without visiting the city's attractions, as his friends often want to do. He is also tempted to challenge supposedly stronger opponents, such as [[Lauro#In the anime|Lauro]], the Champion of [[Unova]].

That Ash often doesn't think before he acts becomes clear when he uses his new [[Ash's Butterfree|Caterpillar]] against Pidgeot, which sees it as prey. He wants Misty to like his Caterpillar and Safcon, and isn't interested in her fear of Bug-type Pokémon. This "lack of planning" becomes apparent again and again throughout the rest of their journey. For example, Ash uses Pokémon with a type disadvantage or commands attacks that are ineffective, even though he has had this experience several times before. Later, he trains very diligently, especially for Gym battles and leagues, especially in [[Hoenn]], [[Sinnoh]], and [[Kalos]], in order to develop new attacks and strategies. Nevertheless, in [[Alola]] it seems as if Ash is still often too impetuous or careless, as can be seen when he lets his nose get too close to a [[Mabula (Anime)|Mabula]], whereupon it pinches him on the nose. In ''[[Love at First Spin!]]'', despite his extensive training experience, Ash needs all [[Ultra Ball|Ultra Balls]] to capture the [[Ultra Beasts|Ultra Beast]] [[Ash's Agoyon|Venicro]].

Ash never recognizes when love is involved and, for example, when advances are being made towards him. In ''[[Battle on Sweet Level!]]'', for example, he doesn't understand what Tortina means when she asks him if he has someone who "takes care of him." Serena, on the other hand, knows what she's getting at. He doesn't seem to notice that Serena likes him a lot. He also seemed awkward and clumsy in "romantic" situations with Misty. He also doesn't seem to recognize or reciprocate Anabel's and Angie's feelings. In general, one can say that he isn't particularly interested in girls.

Ash has a strong sense of justice and a desire to help. He tries to support every Trainer on their journey and help any Pokémon in need. He always tries to understand and respect the Pokémon's feelings. When he encounters evil organizations like Team Rocket (Anime), he does everything he can to stop their plans, even if it means putting himself in danger.

Ash trusts his Pokémon and friends, and this trust is unshakeable. He also always sees the best in every individual, as can be seen, for example, when he admires Clemont's inventions, even though they usually explode and fail. On the other hand, he is also naive and overly good-natured, often only realizing too late when Team Rocket appears in disguise or is trying to trick him. But Ash shares this trait with his teammates.

[[File:AshAura.png|thumb|right|200px|Ash in the eighth movie, when he uses Aura]]

At the beginning of his journey, Ash seems to suffer from an inferiority complex based on his rivalry with [[Gary Oak|Gary]]. As a result, he is initially overconfident after victories, which often leads to problems. For example, in [[Hoenn]], Ash is reprimanded by [[Dragan#In the anime|Dragan]], and on the Orange Archipelago by [[Lorelei#In the anime|Prima]]. He was also very hot-headed at first, reacting immediately to taunts from Gary or Misty with irascible behavior. After defeats, such as the one against [[Richie]], he was very depressed and could only be cheered up by his friends. Over time, however, he matures, analyzes his mistakes in defeats, and usually congratulates his rivals on their victory, congratulating them when, in his eyes, they deserve to win. He has the talent to make friends with most people he meets, thanks to his open-heartedness and good-naturedness. Furthermore, he also encounters many legendary Pokémon that recognize his pure heart and are well-disposed towards him.

Ash's ability to sense and manipulate [[Aura]] is a special ability of his, as can be seen in the movie ''[[Pokémon 8: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]''. In ''[[Pokémon Ranger: The Taking of Riolu – Part 1]]'', Ash is able to find [[Riolu]] using this ability. Finally, Ash also receives a [[Ash's Lucario|Riolu]], which only wanted to hatch in his presence after sensing his aura.

Ash likes to try new things.

[[File:Ash Pikachu.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Ash and Pikachu in ''[[Pikachu's Farewell]]'']]

Ash initially finds it difficult to make friends with [[Ash's Pikachu|Pikachu]] because it is as stubborn as he is. However, when the two are attacked by the Habitak and Pikachu is not feeling well, he becomes concerned, and it becomes clear that the two already have a close bond despite their problems.

Over time, the bond between the two grows stronger, and the two become best friends, always supporting each other. For example, Ash is not afraid to throw himself in front of Pikachu to protect it from enemy attacks or to jump off cliffs, as seen in ''[[Pikachu - Pikachu]]'' or ''[[Time for a Rematch!]]'', to save his friend. Even though Pikachu doesn't speak human language, Ash seems to be able to interpret its facial expressions and gestures and understand it accordingly. Ash respects Pikachu's wish not to evolve and knows that it is strong enough to survive even as a Pikachu. This is evident in the fact that he uses it against many Gym Leaders and in other Trainer Battles, even when Pikachu has a type disadvantage. When Pikachu is injured or sick (e.g., electrically overloaded), Ash shows how much he cares for it, as it looks after it and immediately seeks help. If Pikachu loses control due to external influences, only Ash can calm it down and stop it, even if the electric shocks put him in danger. This can be seen in ''[[Pikachu in Distress]]''.

Ash initially wants to catch as many Pokémon as possible on his journey, ideally more than his long-time rival Gary. But over time, he realizes that he doesn't want to focus on quantity, but rather on quality, and usually only catches Pokémon that appeal to him because of their personality (e.g., Ash's Infernape|Infernape]] or those with which he has formed an immediate bond through adventures with and/or protection). Ash also owns a few Pokémon, such as Paul's former Chimchar, which belonged to another trainer, but is able to integrate it into his team, alleviate its fears, and emphasize its strengths, allowing it to evolve. He always trusts them and relies on their abilities, so type advantages and disadvantages in battles are irrelevant to him, which also means that he often loses battles he could otherwise have won.

Ash respects their peculiarities and prioritizes their desires, such as not having to evolve, over his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master, which is why they value him and give their all for him. He even trades Aipeel for Dawn's Buizel, even though it's difficult for him, as Aipeel prefers to participate in competitions, while Buizel prefers to fight.

Starting in Hoenn, Ash trains his Pokémon more specifically, seeing them as equal partners, specifically for Gym Battles and the League, and teaches them new moves like Aero Ace and Iron Tail. To make his Pokémon stronger, he sometimes places them in the care of other trainers if he is sure this is best for them. Examples include Ash's Charizard and Gliscor. He also releases some of his partners, like Ash's Butterfree, for their own good. Saying goodbye is always difficult for him. He cries at most of them, an emotional reaction rarely seen in Ash.

He is initially unimpressed with Misty, the first of his future companions, but promises to pay for her broken bike. This doesn't seem to interest him much, however, as Pikachu's condition is much more important to him.

He tries very hard to do this and refuses Misty's help several times. However, one notices that he also has a sensitive side, as he cares deeply for Pikachu after his defeat and is deeply moved by Brock's story. He doesn't admit that he didn't know during the first battle that Thunder attacks are just as ineffective against Rock-type Pokémon as Flying attacks, but instead says that he simply forgot. He is less kind to Misty at this point. He seems happy to have Brock as a companion, but doesn't want Misty to travel with them and even runs away without paying for the broken bike. This shows that he is carefree, but also doesn't really have a guilty conscience. In "[[I Believe in Sisters]]," however, he notices that she's no longer following them and asks Brock why she doesn't want to enter Cerulean City. He then says that girls are simply incomprehensible. At first, he doesn't want to accept the Fountain Badge because he wants to win all the badges fairly in battle, but then he would have accepted it if Misty hadn't prevented him. After receiving his badge, he teases Misty, saying that he would have been better. This shows that he enjoys arguing with her. The fact that he doesn't ask where Brock has been all this time makes it clear that he's more focused on himself and not too much on his friends at this point.

Over time, however, his friendship with Brock and Misty becomes more and more important to him. He needs their encouragement and advice to survive in battles and even gives his own life to save them when they are in danger. Misty and Ash also share a few romantic moments, which are ruined by Ash's inability to react tactfully. Arguments often break out between them, as both are stubborn and hot-headed. Brock serves as a calming influence. Ash appreciates his maturity, his cooking skills, and his talent for dealing with Pokémon.

When Misty and Brock leave Ash's team, Ash is upset and sad. He remembers them from time to time in his later adventures, such as when he initially traveled alone with Max and May in [[Hoenn]]. He always carries the lucky charms he received from them upon their departure. Whenever he meets Misty again, Ash is very happy, and they argue less often, making the most of their time together. This also shows that both have matured somewhat.

=== May and Max ===

Ash acts as a mentor to [[May]] and teaches her the basics of being a trainer. Even though she is often clumsy, when she acts recklessly and makes mistakes, he is patient with her. They rarely argue, such as during their first double battle together, but then quickly make up. Ash is initially surprised by May's decision to become Coordinator, but then supports her on her journey and always encourages her when she encounters setbacks.

Ash takes on a kind of brotherly role for [[Max]]. He cares for him and is rarely annoyed by him and his know-it-all attitude. For example, when Max runs away with the badge out of disappointment after [[Norman]]'s loss to Ash in the Gym Battle, Ash comforts him and reacts with unusual empathy, so Max apologizes and gives him the badge. Even when May announces that she will no longer travel with Ash and that Max must therefore return home, Ash is able to cheer him up by promising to always be friends with them and to compete against Max later.

Even at the beginning of his journey, Ash has a very good relationship with Dawn. There are few moments when the two have disagreements, but these are usually resolved by Brock or one of her Pokémon. The friendship between the two is also reflected in the trade of Dawn's Ambidextrous and Ash's Buizel. Ash has only traded one of his Pokémon once before—at the very beginning of his journey. Ash always supports his friend in achieving her goal of becoming a Top Coordinator and often engages in sparring matches with her.

Unlike May and Dawn, Lilia is no beginner; she's been around Pokémon since childhood, so she knows how to handle them and doesn't need Ash's help in this regard. Both Trainers respect each other greatly, but occasionally argue, as in ''[[A Fight with Disastrous Consequences!]]'', because both are hotheads. Ultimately, however, the two always get along and continue to respect each other.

Benny also holds Ash in high regard. He rarely seems annoyed by his assessments, as Iris is, and admires him for being an expert in so many different fields.

Ash is also very nice to Bonnie. He hardly seems annoyed by her, as he sometimes was by Max. This could be because Ash has matured or simply tolerates Bonnie's childish ways. In "[[A Blank Slate!]]," for example, he cheers her up when she misses [[Blobby]].

Ash always admires Clemont for his inventions, even if they don't always have the desired effect or explode. He trusts his abilities. He also values ​​him as a Gym Leader, so he promises to give his all in the Gym battle against his friend. He and Clemont even battle each other one last time as a farewell.

Ash often takes on the role of a mentor, especially for Lillie, as he helps her overcome her fear of touching Pokémon. He often encourages her and inspires her with his ambition and love of Pokémon, which is why Lillie thanks him again at the end of their journey together.

Kiawe and Ash often compete and engage in various contests to determine who is the better trainer. They often train together. Ash is also a role model for Kiawe. The two promise to compete against each other again sometime before they leave.

Ash often takes on the role of a mentor to [[Goh]], teaching him how to catch Pokémon in [[The Way Back to Mew!]] and the nature of Pokémon Trainer Battles in [[The Flute Cup!]].

Although Goh's worldview initially differs significantly from Ash's, which becomes clear in [[The Mysterious Tower of Ivysaur!]] when Goh tries to stop Ash from helping a wild Ivysaur reach higher ground, the two boys quickly become friends and form a brotherly duo.

They are also often seen supporting each other, as they share each other's goals on their journey together. Ash helps Goh with [[Catch and Release|catching]] new [[Pokémon (species)|Pokémon]] and Goh accompanies Ash to the battles in the [[Coronation World Championships]].