Many fans of the early seasons of Pokémon think Misty is a somewhat useless character. There are some who say that her presence in the main trio is unneeded, and that Misty doesn't add anything to the story.
This take is frankly ridiculous -- Misty has shown many times she plays an essential role in Ash’s life, and even undergoes significant character development throughout the Pokémon series. Here’s how Pokémon’s Misty played a big role in Ash Ketchum’s character arc.
Misty's Growth Throughout Pokémon
When Ash and Misty first meet, they immediately dislike one another. Ash fried her bike with Pikachu’s Thunderbolt in an attempt to get away from a flock of angry Spearow. During most of her time in the series, Misty holds a grudge toward Ash for destroying her bike and never paying her back for it. Although this may seem petty and annoying to some fans, especially those who didn’t grow up with the original Pokémon series, Misty doesn’t hold the loss of her bike over Ash’s head forever.
As the series continues, she brings up her bike less and less, growing more fond of Ash as they travel together. But she shows her affection for him in less obvious ways, especially if you compare her to one of Ash's later companions, like Serena. A prime example of Misty's affection for Ash is in the second movie, Pokémon: The Movie 2000.
The film starts with a Pokémon collector, Lawrence III, tracing the whereabouts of the three legendary bird Pokémon, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Lawrence wants to capture them so he can fulfill an ancient prophecy and summon Lugia, the Beast of the Sea. He successfully captures Moltres and hones in on Articuno and Zapdos. Later on, Ash, Misty, and Tracey crash-land on a nearby island where they are hosting a festival. The gang is forced to join the festivities because one of the island residents, Melody, claims Ash he’s the “Chosen One” from the legend and has to stay. It’s up to Ash to retrieve three crystal balls from each island -- fire, ice, and lightning - and put them at a sacred shrine guarded by a talking Slowking. Melody will finish off the ceremony by playing Lugia’s song.
Many fans who support Ash and Misty together as a couple, like to use this movie as “proof” of Misty’s potentially romantic feelings for Ash. Regardless of whether it’s very prevalent in this movie alone. Melody is constantly teasing Misty throughout the movie, and even says Misty seems more like a nagging sister than Ash’s girlfriend or even his friend. Misty rightfully gets annoyed at her jabs and eventually says she's Ash's friend and not his girlfriend. She also even saves him when he falls unconscious in the water at one point and consistently fears for his safety. This is to be expected as the two share a close and entertaining friendship and care about each other.
Ash Learned More About Being a Pokémon Trainer Thanks To Misty
It’s difficult to argue that Ash hasn’t changed since the first season of Pokémon -- especially in personality. Ash went from a sarcastic, super enthusiastic wannabe Pokémon Master to a skilled two-time champion winner. But he wouldn’t have gotten that far if it wasn’t for the help of the friends he’d made along the way.
Misty and Brock are both very skilled gym leaders from the Kanto Region. And they are great friends to Ash during his time traveling with them. They teach him many things about Pokémon and being a trainer he couldn’t have learned if he’d chosen to travel by himself. For example, Misty keeps Ash humble and frequently lectures him when he lets victories get to his head. She cares about him and doesn’t want him to get too excited over a triumphant win, only to crash and burn when he eventually loses another Pokémon battle.
Brock also helped Ash in multiple ways throughout their journey together. He taught Ash how to be a better friend and partner to their Pokémon and take care of them. He also provided food for the group and probably even taught them how to cook off-screen; although this has likely never been implied nor confirmed. Misty also learned a lot from Brock, too. Sometimes he tells Misty to be more patient with Ash and that she shouldn’t argue with him, especially about small matters like her destroyed bicycle. Misty was an essential part of Ash’s character development. She helps him learn more about Pokémon battles and create solid friendships with his Pokémon.
So, when fans treat Misty like a nuisance and say she doesn’t add anything to the story or benefit Ash in any way, this isn’t exactly correct. Fans don’t have to like Misty, or her character, but they should understand she still plays a great role in Ash’s life and impacts him in many ways his other friends do not.