1. Sonic the Hedgehog: The undisputed star of the franchise, known for his speed, courage, and unwavering optimism.
2. Tails: Sonic's best friend and loyal sidekick, a skilled mechanic and pilot, always there to support Sonic.
3. Knuckles the Echidna: A strong and stoic warrior, initially antagonistic to Sonic but later becoming a close friend.
4. Amy Rose: A cheerful and determined pink hedgehog with a crush on Sonic, often providing comic relief.
5. Shadow the Hedgehog: A mysterious and powerful anti-hero, often misunderstood but ultimately driven by a sense of justice.
6. Dr. Eggman (Dr. Robotnik): The iconic villain of the series, known for his comical schemes and inventive robots.
7. Metal Sonic: A powerful robotic replica of Sonic, often serving as a formidable antagonist.
8. Rouge the Bat: A cunning and seductive treasure hunter, known for her intelligence and charm.
9. Silver the Hedgehog: A powerful psychic hedgehog from the future, often misunderstood but ultimately driven by a desire to protect the future.
10. Blaze the Cat: A powerful princess from a parallel dimension, known for her fiery personality and mastery of fire magic.
It's important to note that this is just a starting point, and there are many other great characters in the Sonic universe! The best way to find your own favorites is to explore the different games, comics, and shows and discover which characters resonate with you most.