Meowth (Team Rocket): Difference between revisions

Meowth is a characteristically jealous individual, particularly towards other cat Pokémon such as [[Giovanni's Persian]] and [[Matori]]'s own {{TP|Matori|Meowth}}. He often clashes with them because they are equally as smug and conniving as himself. Many of his personality traits are typical for other Meowth, where they have an affinity for affection, but he has an eye for sparkling objects. Unlike most other Pokémon, who are not truly evil and will only commit evil deeds when ordered to do so, as stated by [[Jessie's Ekans]] in ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'', Meowth is both perfectly capable of and willing to commit evil deeds without the aid of others. He is motivated by self-interest and greed, but also enjoys the thrill of taking advantage of others.

Despite his seemingly outgoing nature, Meowth also has a contemplative inner side that is not seen as often. In one of his image songs, [[Meowth's Song]], and in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', he is a philosopher. Meowth comforted [[Ash's Chimchar]] in ''[[DP053|Tears For Fears!]]'' and even expressed some admiration for Ash and his friends. On a few occasions, Meowth has become stranded with Pikachu, and during these times, the two work together fairly well. Pikachu distrusts Meowth, but Meowth is more willing to let go of the past and work together. Usually, by the end of these episodes, Meowth will betray Pikachu once they find Jessie and James.

Meowth recognizes himself as a Pokémon, but has always felt at odds, where he doesn't perfectly fit into the Pokémon world because of his ability to speak human speech. Despite his often self-interested nature, he is willing to support individuals with their own passions, and will go out of his way to ensure they achieve their goal. Examples include [[Simon]] from ''[[EP195|The Poké Spokesman]]'', who was certain he could understand the feelings of Pokémon, or [[Michelle]]'s {{p|Bagon}} who was keen to fly.

Meowth is an amorous Pokémon, developing crushes on occasion, which often jeopardize Team Rocket's operations. He has also demonstrated aspirations of being a parent-like caretaker, like in ''[[EP050|Who Gets to Keep Togepi?]]'', when he coddled {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}'s {{pkmn|Egg}} before fighting for custody of it, only to lose it to {{an|Misty}}. To regain custody of Togepi, he even defeated [[Brock's Onix]] by throwing a bucket of water in its face and finishing it with a Fury Swipes attack to the head.

Much like [[Ash's Pikachu]], Meowth does not stay inside a {{i|Poké Ball}}, though he is technically a [[wild Pokémon]]. He remains a part of the trio because he feels he has a place with them. Meowth considers himself the brains of the trio's operations, namely because his ability to translate Pokémon speech for Jessie and James, and also because of his extensive technical knowledge, which has helped construct the many of [[Team Rocket's mechas]]. He utilizes [[Boss fantasy|fantasies]] to explain his schemes to his teammates, though these also expose Meowth's ambitions to be Giovanni's sole companion. On several occasions, Meowth's value has been questioned. He even had some tension towards [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] when he first joined the trio and kept taking his place in the Team Rocket {{motto}}, but the pair now get along. His attachment to Jessie and James is more obvious when he finds himself separated or when the trio has decided to go their separate ways. Examples of this include ''[[EP274|Hoenn Alone]]'' or ''[[M08|Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'', when he became sad after Jessie and James got swallowed up by the [[Tree of Beginning]]'s antibodies.