Sawyer/Character

Sawyer is very studious and careful, seeing as how he writes down notes in his notebook after every battle he participates in. He does his best to apply his gained knowledge in battle, but can sometimes lose his calm in critical situations, causing him to make the wrong move and lose. However, Sawyer is shown to be very open to new experiences and doesn't seem to mind losing as long as it gives him a chance to improve himself. This attitude has allowed Sawyer to steadily progress as a Trainer. Furthermore, as he has progressed, he began incorporating Ash's unorthodox strategies, such as using Slaking to counter Ash's Hawlucha' battling style, and using Aegislash to chop down the trees on the battlefield to eliminate Pikachu's hiding spots.

Sawyer appears to look up to Ash as a friend and rival. After meeting Ash and being given helpful advice, Sawyer became more assertive and confident in battle, and his Pokémon reflect this newfound attitude. After witnessing Ash's loss to Wulfric in All Hail the Ice Battlefield!, Sawyer appeared to be disappointed, saying that the Trainer he had been admiring for so long wouldn't have lost, but ultimately promised to believe in his friend, knowing they would see each other in the Pokémon League. This belief ultimately turned true when he saw Ash at the League's Opening Ceremony in A League of His Own!, and was completely confirmed for him during his battle against Ash in the semi-finals.

In A Riveting Rivalry!, Sawyer became visibly panicked during Ash's Greninja's final attack. Despite this, he quickly recovered from his loss, happily congratulating Ash on his victory and accepting his handshake in a show of good sportsmanship. However, despite putting on a good fight, he later admitted to Sceptile that he felt very frustrated as a result of losing, but was able to shake off his tears to reaffirm his desire to gain experience and one day surpass Ash.

He also admires Steven Stone, as shown in a flashback where he met him and his Metagross in Hoenn.