Tracey Sketchit, a Pokémon watcher, traveled with Ash Ketchum during the Orange Islands journey. He first appeared while Ash prepared for battle, immediately showing interest in sketching Ash’s exceptionally conditioned Pikachu. After aiding Ash and Misty in rescuing an injured Lapras and learning of their connection to Professor Oak, Tracey invited himself to join their group. His role centered on observing and documenting Pokémon behavior through detailed sketches, using specialized binoculars for precise measurements. He employed stealth techniques like approaching downwind and synchronizing breathing to avoid detection. Tracey’s extensive Pokémon behavior knowledge enabled him to predict moves based on physical cues, such as identifying James’s Victreebel’s Razor Leaf before execution. His exceptional eyesight allowed recognition of individuals like Nurse Joy from great distances. Generally gentle and reserved, Tracey occasionally displayed strong reactions when defending Professor Oak’s reputation or confronting dismissive attitudes toward Pokémon training. He also demonstrated a moderate attraction to courageous women, often sketching them as an expression of interest. His Pokémon team included Venonat (later evolving into Venomoth), Marill, and Scyther. Venonat’s Radar Eye tracked targets like Team Rocket’s truck transporting Lapras. Marill’s sensitive hearing detected distant sounds, with Tracey training it using Pokédex cries. Scyther joined after Tracey aided the injured Pokémon during a confrontation against Team Rocket. These Pokémon assisted in group efforts, including rescuing Togepi in "Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure," where Marill extinguished fires with Water Gun. After the Orange Islands, Tracey stayed in Pallet Town as Professor Oak’s assistant. Initially nervous meeting his idol, he gained confidence when Oak praised his artistic skills. Tracey appeared during Ash’s Pallet Town visits, managed Oak’s laboratory during crises like the Unown incident in Greenfield, and watched Ash’s league battles on television. His Venonat evolved into Venomoth over time, and he maintained contact with Misty, visiting her at Cerulean Gym. Tracey also appeared during Ash’s World Coronation Series matches. Tracey had the shortest tenure as Ash’s traveling companion yet appeared in numerous Japanese opening sequences afterward. He is the only companion with a confirmed surname (Sketchit), the first non-Gym Leader male companion, and the only main character whose Pokémon produced an Egg. His creation reportedly stemmed from initial concerns that Brock’s design might be perceived as a racial stereotype, leading to a temporary replacement with an Anglo-appearing character until Brock’s return.