Let's see...chars I like? Well, I haven't seen much of the later episodes, but from those that I know;
1. Misty, old one, as I hear the newer version has become softer. <.< Because I just love characters with a temperament, and Misty has plenty of that. Plus, I love the way she smacks Ash about. xD
2. James, because I very much symphatize with the poor dude. Besides, he's got a Victreebel for crying out loud! *Squeals and huggles Victreebel* And a cute Koffing too (His Weezing ain't bad either but I prefered it as a Koffing, actually), and later on; Chimecho and Cacnea. Besides, James isn't really a bad, pointless-evil dude like most of the villains in the series. <.< There are actually profound reasons for why he's become what he is; a rather insecure, slightly clueless, wannabee-bad guy. xD
3. The good old-school, lazy, childish, self-centered, and very much clueless Ash. He was actually fun to watch back in the old days before he became the faultless, goody two-shoes, Gary-Stu, 4kids rolemodel posterboy that I know and hate today. <.< *Throws a shoe at the new Ash*
4. Misty's Psyduck. Cute, clueless, and always tries his best. What can I say? This one appealed to me straight off. ^-^
5. Old-school Gary. His constant gloating and his very bratty ways of annoying Ash never failed to make me smile. xD The new one is too much of a cheesy buddy-buddy, though. *Throws a turnip at 4kids* <_<
6. The Haunter who very briefly joined Ash's team. He's too cute, and I loved the expressions in thos episodes. Plus, he's a bit of a comedian too. xD