What is the name of the Pokémon anime’s original main character?

Ash Ketchum is the original main character of the Pokémon anime.

Ash first appeared in the premiere episode, “Pokémon, I Choose You!”, which aired in Japan in 1997. He begins his journey from Pallet Town with Pikachu and travels through multiple Pokémon regions while pursuing his goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.

Ash is loosely based on Red, the player character from the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. The two characters share a connection to the first-generation setting, but they are separate characters with different stories and personalities.

Ash remained the anime’s central protagonist for its first 25 seasons. He eventually became a World Champion in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series before the anime shifted to new protagonists Liko and Roy.