Misty is one of Ash's original travelling companions, and she holds a special place in the hearts of many longtime series' fans. It's not hard to see why, either, as her design is adorable, she's fiery and she's a skilled gym leader even if she's only really doing it when she has to because of her sisters. Ash also owes a lot to her from the very first episode onwards, as she fishes him out of a lake and then has to give up her bike so that he can escape an angry flock of Spearow.
Misty originally only follows Ash due to wanting a new bike, but eventually she gives up on this reason and is only with him because of their friendship. Despite all of this, though, Misty is still a realistically flawed character, and has moments that may make some fans dislike her.
10 She Has A Strong Fear Of Bugs Unless She Finds Them Cute
Having a fear of bugs is completely realistic, and it can be fun to watch a character panic a handful of times when they get startled. However, it then can start to get repetitive if the character isn't able to make any meaningful development towards getting over this fear, and this is sadly how it's handled with Misty.
Even after over two decades of the series, Misty's still just as afraid of bugs as she's always been with no sign of development. The only exception to this is with Bug-types that she finds cute, such as Butterfree.
9 She Doesn't Have A Lot Of Patience And Can Be Set Off Easily
It's understandable that Misty has a fiery temper and it doesn't take much to set her off, as she grew up with several older sisters who don't seem to treat her with the same respect she typically shows them. She doesn't put up with any mistreatment from anyone, even her close friends, and while this isn't inherently a flaw, she can take this too far.
Misty will fly off the handle even at little things, screaming at Ash for telling a joke at the wrong time, or for getting them lost. While her frustration is often understandable, it never adds anything productive and only serves to conflict the group.
8 Her Dislike Of Her Psyduck Goes A Little Too Far At Times
Although Misty's relationship with her Psyduck improves drastically in the Sun and Moon arc, her treatment of this Pokémon can be hard to watch at times. To be fair, she didn't exactly choose to have Psyduck as one of her Pokémon, but this still doesn't excuse her behavior.
Misty is frequently seen berating her Psyduck for being 'useless' and talking down to anyone else who asks about it. It's stated that she still has to care somewhat for it as she never gives it away, but with how she does act most of the time, perhaps it'd be better for Psyduck if she would've.
7 Misty Goes Back To Lead Her Gym Out Of A Feeling Of Obligation, Not Desire
Most Gym Leaders are in their profession because they absolutely love what they do. Their lives are dedicated to their gyms, their Pokémon and giving every trainer who comes in to challenge them an absolutely unforgettable experience.
However, this isn't the reason why Misty decides to go back to the Cerulean Gym to fulfill her duties of Gym Leader when she'd rather stay with Ash. She only does so because her elder sisters decide to go travel the world, and she feels a familial obligation to make sure that the Gym remains up and operational.
6 She's Completely Absent After The Original Series Aside From Occasional Guest Appearances
This particular point has less to do with Misty ruining her own likability. Instead, it has more to do with the fact that as the series goes on, those that still get consistent screentime and development will naturally be more popular and well-liked.
Ever since the end of the gang's Johto journey, Misty hasn't been seen outside of the occasional guest appearance. Aside from those in the fanbase that have been around since the beginning and adored Misty from the start, it's hard for her to compete with newer female companions.
5 She Insults Ash's Caterpie Until Its Final Evolution Simply Because Of Looks
Misty's general fear of bugs is understandable, and it'd be excusable if the only thing she does around Ash's Caterpie is act frightened. However, Misty uses her fear of bugs as an excuse to treat Ash's Caterpie pretty horribly.
She often calls it ugly and disgusting whenever it's out around her, turning Caterpie's involvement into a full-blown argument with Ash. She's a Gym Leader who should understand the bonds that trainers have with their Pokémon, and she shouldn't treat a member of someone's team so harshly.
4 She Doesn't Mention Her Feelings For Ash Aside From One Overly-Heavy Hint
Misty originally denies that she has any feelings for Ash, but then she's seen getting jealous over someone else kissing him, showing that she may not have been entirely honest. She even goes as far as to deny this jealousy, but admits it to herself later on in the same film - but she's never shown directly telling Ash.
There's even an official song titled "Misty's Song" where she sings about having feelings for Ash but being afraid to tell him for fear of having her heart broken. Despite all of this, the only time she even remotely hints about having feelings is when she drops out-of-the-blue that her and Ash will be married someday, which comes off as odd. Her feelings are sweet, but they weigh negatively on her when one considers all of the wasted potential that comes with them.
3 She Has A Bad Tendency Of Slapping Ash When She's Upset
Misty's habit of allowing her temper to get the best of her at times isn't just something she expresses emotionally. She also lets this trait manifests physically, as she's seen slapping Ash on more than one occasion.
Shows from the late nineties and into the early two-thousands often have a tendency to use female leads slapping male leads in a humorous sense, but Misty doesn't even have this going for her. Sadly, the scenes where she hurts Ash come off as very serious and don't reflect well on her character.
2 Early On, Her Character Centers Around Pestering Ash For A New Bike
Misty is dragged into being one of Ash's travelling companions quite involuntarily. That is to say, he steals her bike to get away from an angry flock of Spearow and it's burnt to a crisp, so she follows him around under the condition that he has to get her a new one.
While the two end up close friends by the end of their adventures together, early on, it feels as if this point gets irritating and repetitive. Misty takes any chance she can get to remind Ash of how he destroyed her bike and how she's still waiting for him to make good on his promise.
1 She Says She Wants To Master Water-Types But Isn't Seen Putting In The Required Work
Misty has declared within the show that her ultimate dream is to become a master of Water-Type Pokémon. Despite this, she's hardly ever seen training and hasn't competed in much to prove herself other than a handful of tournaments.
Sure, she fills in as the Cerulean City gym leader, but it's not a position she wants to fill permanently. To add onto this, early gyms aren't a good representation of a gym leader's true talent and skill, as the trainers they fight are typically still rather inexperienced.
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