There could be a new character, a rival to Ash's dad from his younger days when he was an active Pokemon trainer. This rival could reappear in the fanfiction, causing some trouble or adding some drama to the story.
It could be a famous Pokémon trainer. Maybe someone who has traveled to many different regions and has a lot of knowledge about rare Pokémon.
His Pokémon, like Pikachu, would surely be important characters. Pikachu might be the first to suspect that Ash is not really dead and start searching for him. Misty and Brock could also be main characters. They are Ash's long - time friends and would be deeply affected by his supposed death. They might be the ones to uncover the truth behind his faked death and help him in his plan, or they could be completely in the dark at first and then gradually figure things out.
Obviously, the Legendary Pokemon would be a main character. It could be a Pokemon like Mewtwo, who is often depicted as having a complex personality. It might start off as a mysterious and powerful entity that Ash has to befriend or battle against.
There could be Brock. He might play an important role in guiding both Ash and his twin on their Pokemon journey. Another character could be Misty. She could be friends with both of them and offer her own unique perspective on Pokemon training.
Perhaps in this fanfiction, Ash's dad was once a great Pokemon trainer but had to give it up for some reason. Now, as a fan, he lives vicariously through Ash. He could be the one who inspired Ash to start his journey in the first place. He might have told Ash all those amazing stories about Pokemon when Ash was a little kid, which planted the seed for Ash's love for Pokemon.
Team Rocket might be main characters as well. They could be constantly trying to capture Ash or his Pokemon because of his special status. Their bumbling attempts to take advantage of Ash's link to Arceus could add a lot of comical and action - filled moments to the fanfiction. And of course, Arceus itself could be a major character, guiding Ash in some way or interacting with him directly.
Brock could also be a main character. Since he has knowledge about Pokémon care and breeding, he could be Ash's colleague in the fanfiction. They could work together on projects related to Pokémon health and nutrition.
The OC themselves are often popular characters. Since they are original creations, they can have all sorts of unique personalities, abilities, and backstories. For example, an OC could be a shy but brilliant Pokemon trainer who gradually overcomes their insecurities with Ash's help.
Misty and Brock are also main characters in many of these fanfictions. After Ash's sacrifice, they might be the ones to comfort Pikachu and the other Pokémon. They could also take on Ash's unfinished tasks, like continuing to explore the Pokémon world, helping other trainers, and fighting against any emerging threats. Their friendship with Ash gives them the motivation to keep going in his absence.
Latios would obviously be a key character. Also, Pikachu, Ash's loyal Pokémon partner, would be there. Maybe Misty or Brock could also be part of the story, with them either supporting or being skeptical of Ash's newfound admiration for Latios.