In Pokémon, considering that the protagonist, Ash, is a trainer himself who journeys to become the ultimate Pokémon master, it makes sense that he encounters many other trainers, Gym Leaders, and Champions along the way. There is no doubt that Ash will continue meeting many other trainers in future episodes and seasons of the anime.
However, many notable characters throughout the anime are not necessarily trainers. These could be family members who aren't active trainers, mentors, and other traveling companions who have other aspirations.
10 Professor Oak Introduced Ash To Pikachu And Unknowingly Started Their Grand Partnership
Oak occasionally faces others in Pokémon battles, but he's not an active trainer due to his work as a professor. As a Pokémon professor, Professor Oak's main duty is to look after the Pokémon at the lab and also give new trainers their first Pokémon. He's also grandfather to Gary, Ash's first main rival in the series. In the very first episode of the anime, he introduced Ash to the super-powered Pikachu. Little did he realize, he just started the beginning of Ash and Pikachu's longstanding partnership together.
9 Ash's Mom, Delia Ketchum, Plays A Supportive Role And Appears Occasionally Throughout The Series
As a single parent, Delia Ketchum raised Ash on her own and ran the household along with her Mr. Mime. She's often supportive of Ash's journey, but also constantly worries about his health. She checks in on him occasionally through long-distance contact, and she even shows up in person to see him occasionally throughout the entire anime. One of the early Pokémon movies, Pokémon 3: Spell Of The Unown, heavily featured her due to Ash having to save her after she was kidnapped by Entei.
8 Tracey Sketchit Briefly Traveled With Ash And His Friends
Many fans forget that Tracey Sketchit isn't a Pokémon trainer, but rather a Pokémon Watcher. Pokémon Watchers specifically travel the world to study and observe Pokémon's characteristics, behaviors, and abilities while searching for new and undiscovered Pokémon.
Tracey briefly traveled with Ash while Brock was away helping Professor Ivy. He even caught a Scyther who became a powerhouse duo with him. However, he eventually left the party to become Professor Oak's assistant, and Brock rejoined the party shortly after.
7 Dawn Didn't Focus On Battles But On Being A Pokémon Coordinator
Even though Dawn does participate in Pokémon battles, her lofty dreams and aspirations lie with becoming a great Pokémon Coordinator instead. Pokémon Coordinators focus on participating in Pokémon Contests where Pokémon show off their smooth moves and charming aesthetics to wow the audience. Her own journey, as well as her close bond with her Piplup, was well-outlined during her time traveling with Ash since many episodes focusing on her development showed her heavy involvement in Contests, including the Wallace Cup.
6 Nurse Joy's Consistent Presence Is A Healing Balm To Everyone
Nurse Joy often shows up throughout the anime whenever Ash and his friends visit the Pokémon Center. Each Joy has been explained as being related to one another in some way, hence why they all look alike. Additionally, every Nurse Joy always has a Chansey by her side to help in treating injured or sick Pokémon.
Without the multitude of Nurse Joys and the Pokémon Centers, it would be much harder for Pokémon to rest and recuperate from long, tiring battles.
5 Suzie Was A Recurring Pokémon Groomer Who Was Brock's Potential Love Interest
Suzie was a recurring character in the early anime who was a well-known Pokémon Groomer and Breeder. Pokémon Groomers focus on the inner beauty and health of a Pokémon. She was so well known that not only did she win awards for her deeds, but Brock also begged her to teach him her methods when they first met.
After Brock, Ash, and the others helped Suzie deal with Team Rocket's fake salon, Brock and Suzie kept in touch. Eventually, it was revealed that Suzie wanted to open up a salon with fellow Groomer Zane that focused on Pokémon's inner and outer beauty. This broke Brock's heart as he realized that he and Suzie would only be close friends at best.
4 Cilan Was A Pokémon Connoisseur Who Traveled With Ash
Cilan was a Pokémon Connoisseur who traveled with Ash during his time in the Unova Region. Pokémon Connoisseurs specialize in identifying the compatibility between Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon. Cilan was also a Gym Leader, but he mainly focused on his role as a Pokémon Connoisseur while traveling with Ash. He was a fun companion whose fans enjoyed watching him interact with Ash and the rest of the party during his time with them. Many fans were sad to see him leave when he did, and hope that he returns in future episodes.
3 Brock Was A Pokémon Breeder Turned Pokémon Doctor
Brock was one of Ash's most notable traveling companions and closest friends until he permanently left Ash's side to become a Pokémon Doctor. Pokémon Doctors have similar functions to Nurse Joy, but they don't run Pokémon Centers. Instead, they either have their own clinics or help Pokémon and their trainers while they're on the go.
Brock took up a big mentoring role while by Ash's side and continues to do so whenever he reappears. It makes sense he had that role, considering that he also has multiple siblings to care for back at home. Some fans wish he never left Ash's side, but others are happy that Brock is living out his calling as a Pokémon Doctor and helping others.
2 Pokémon Ranger Jack Walker Was Featured In One Of The Movies And Helped Protect Manaphy
In the movie Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, Jack Walker, also known as Jackie, worked as a Pokémon Ranger to keep Manaphy out of the evil Phantom's clutches. After Manaphy hatched from its egg and immediately bonded with May, Jackie accompanied the party to return Manaphy to the sea safely. His commitment to his duties as a Pokémon Ranger was a hit with fans since he focused on keeping Pokémon out of evil villains' clutches. He also used various Pokémon's abilities to save nature and other Pokémon and people.
1 Todd Snapp Briefly Traveled With Ash And Friends As A Photographer
Todd Snapp, a representative character from the game Pokémon Snap, wasn't an active trainer when he traveled and met Ash and his friends repeatedly. Instead, he works as a Pokémon photographer. Pokémon photographers often take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats, observing their behaviors and habits. They're similar to Pokémon Watchers since their duties focus on exploration, observation, and discovery.
Todd initially was more concerned with getting the best shot with his camera equipment but later matured in the series to be more concerned about the main situation at hand (especially whenever Team Rocket got involved). Fans hope that Todd will return in some capacity in future episodes.