Ash Ketchum is the main character partnered with Pikachu in the original Pokémon anime. He begins as a young Trainer from Pallet Town and travels through multiple regions while pursuing the goal of becoming a Pokémon Master.
Ash receives Pikachu from Professor Oak after arriving late to collect a starter Pokémon. Pikachu initially resists Ash, but their relationship changes after Ash protects Pikachu from wild Spearow. Their partnership becomes the emotional center of the early anime.
Ash is the anime’s original protagonist, while Red is the player character associated with the first video games. Gary Oak is Ash’s rival, and Brock is one of Ash’s early traveling companions, so these names are often confused in questions about the series.
Ash’s long-running television journey concluded in the main anime after he became World Champion. The franchise then introduced new protagonists in Pokémon Horizons.