Morty Smith (Prime)—often referred to as "our" Morty—is the protagonist we have followed since the very first episode. His lore is unique because, unlike Rick, Morty is still living in his original "Prime" dimension at the start of the series, making him the biological grandson of the show's main antagonist, Rick Prime.
Key aspects of Morty Prime's lore include:
The "Rickless" Morty: Rick C-137 (the Rick we follow) moved into the Prime Dimension years after Rick Prime abandoned his family. This means Morty Prime grew up without a grandfather until C-137 "filled the hole," essentially using Morty as bait to lure out Rick Prime.
The Cronenberg Disaster: In "Rick Potion #9," Morty accidentally helps Rick turn his entire home dimension into "Cronenbergs" (horrific mutated monsters). Morty Prime is forced to abandon his original world—and his original Beth, Jerry, and Summer—to live in a new dimension (C-131) where that version of Rick and Morty had just died.
Survival of the Prime Family: While Morty moved on, his original family survived in the Cronenberg world. His father, Jerry Prime, became a hardened, badass survivor, while his mother and sister eventually froze to death. Later, Rick Prime returned to this dimension and cold-bloodedly murdered Jerry Prime.
Emotional Resilience: Over the seasons, Morty Prime has evolved from a stuttering, anxious kid into a capable, often cynical adventurer. He has "reset" his life multiple times, lived an entire simulated lifetime in Roy: A Life Well Lived, and developed a complicated moral compass that often clashes with Rick’s nihilism.
The "True" Grandson: The most tragic part of his lore is the realization that Rick C-137 isn't his biological grandfather. However, C-137 eventually admits that Morty Prime is the closest thing he has to a real grandson, cementing their bond despite the lack of a blood relation.