In the Pokémon TV series, how is Max related to May?

Max is May’s younger brother in the Pokémon TV series.

Max travels with Ash, May, and Brock during much of the Hoenn storyline. He is the son of Norman, the Gym Leader of Petalburg City, and therefore grows up in a family deeply connected to Pokémon training. Although Max is knowledgeable about Pokémon, he is too young to own a Pokémon or officially begin a trainer’s journey when he first travels with the group.

His role differs from May’s: May receives Torchic and pursues training and Pokémon Contests, while Max acts as a curious guide and commentator. Their sibling relationship creates both friendly arguments and supportive moments throughout the Hoenn and Battle Frontier stories.

Max is sometimes mistaken for a traveling companion unrelated to May because the anime gives him his own interests and personality. However, his defining family connection is that he is May’s younger brother.