Ash Ketchum acted as the Pokémon anime series' protagonist for many decades, during which he gained the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Children and adults alike would follow his journey to become the best trainer in history, cheering for his victories and sharing his pain during losses. Despite his iconic nature, as the years progressed, many fans raised concerns about his lack of evolution and development.

Viewers felt as if Ash’s character remained stagnant for years, with not much about him as a persona or a trainer changing. Yet, when examined closely, the anime makes it clear that Ash’s progression, while slow, was always present. If fans take the time to compare the trainer who left Pallet Town with the World Champion, they will find that the protagonist is indeed an amazing and complex character.

Pokemon’s Episodic Nature Hurt Ash’s Character

His Development Was Not Seen as Clearly as It Should

One of the main traits that differentiates the Pokémon series from other anime is its episodic nature. Each entry in the series was a mini-adventure, with most of the issues introduced being resolved before the ending. While each season had the bigger goal of the protagonist defeating the leaders of each of the Pokémon world's amazing regions and becoming the local champion, many of the episodes had little to do with this mission. Due to this, fans could often feel as if the characters did not evolve.

The character whose slow development was most noticeable was Ash, as he was the only character who appeared in all main entries in the franchise. Since fans were able to see the protagonist's everyday life, any slight personality change felt almost non-existent. Ash maintained his cheerful and optimistic personality during his entire time as the main character, adding to the allegations of him not changing or maturing as a person. Still, when his initial and final versions are compared, the drastic change he went through becomes noticeable.

Ash’s progression as a protagonist was a slow but significant process that allowed him to develop naturally as an individual. When he left his home, the protagonist was an overconfident and often clueless trainer who knew little about the world he inhabited. He could also be rude to his friends, mostly Misty, with whom he shared a unique and difficult relationship. By the end of the series, Ash had left his overconfidence behind, preferring to face his challenges with a clear strategy, as well as a kind and respectful friend.

Ash’s Constant Defeats Did Not Help His Character

Not Letting Him Win a Tournament Prevented Fans From Seeing His Growth

One of the main reasons Ash’s developments were hard for fans to assess was his repeated failure at winning the regional Pokémon League. Despite each season giving him ample chance to demonstrate his growth as a trainer and the extremely powerful creatures he had under his control, he was rarely able to reach the top. With only two trophies under his belt, it became a tragic habit for fans to expect Ash to lose during the final battles of any given League.

Nonetheless, this was often not the protagonist's fault, as the plot worked against him to keep his journey going. From being forced to fight against a team of Legendary Pokémon to having his partners not listen to him, Ash was virtually forced to continue his journey, despite already having the abilities of a true master. This could be proven by his drastic change in strategy as the series progressed. As a novice, Ketchum tended to make mistakes that would cost him the battle, like not learning about elemental weaknesses or adding disobedient Pokémon to his team.

The Ash who became World Champion was a completely different trainer, one who had a clear understanding of his companions’ strengths and weaknesses. During his most important battles, the hero could be seen planning his every move, always determined to give it his all. Ash had one of the best developments in the series, going from a complete amateur who dreamed about becoming the best, to a seasoned trainer capable of giving the most elite trainers a worthy challenge.

Ash’s Static Age Caused Many Issues

The Protagonist Was Never Allowed a Chance To Grow

From the day Ash left his home to pursue his dream to his coronation as the best trainer in the world, his age remained the same, 10 years old. Even though his time as the protagonist was beyond two decades long, he was never given a chance to grow or truly mature. As such, his character development would often be downplayed to retain his childish personality. Depicting him as a mature and wise character would contradict his canonical age, which is why the series would often make him forget the incredible life lessons that he learned throughout his journey.

The reason why Ash was forced to remain 10 years old is likely the need for him to be relatable to younger audiences. Although Pokémon is a franchise that appeals to people of all ages, it is no secret that young children are its main audience. Having a protagonist that is close in age to the viewers helped the show retain their interest and helped fans feel as if they could become trainers like Ash. Lamentably, this decision prevents Ash from fully developing into the wise and prepared hero he was meant to become.

Ash Journey Is Nonetheless Iconic

There Would Be No Pokémon Anime Without Him

Although at first glance Ash might not be the most complex or interesting character, despite how amazing he can be when examined closely, he is still the face of the Pokémon anime. His dream of becoming the very best inspired entire generations, letting them know that their desires were also worth pursuing. His determination, bravery, and skills as a trainer have no equal. Without him as the protagonist, it is hard to imagine that the anime would have achieved the same level of success that it enjoys today.

Ash is and forever will be one of the best trainers in Pokemon's history. His development can be hard to pinpoint, but he is no doubt a complex and unique character. His accomplishments deserve the praise and iration of fans, as without him the epic adventures they grew up with would not be the same.