However, here are some of the characters consistently considered central to the Sonic universe, and often featured in major games and storylines:
The Main Trio:
* Sonic the Hedgehog: The titular character, a blue blur with a love for speed and freedom.
* Tails: A two-tailed fox with a talent for mechanics, Sonic's best friend and often his sidekick.
* Knuckles the Echidna: A red echidna known for his strength and loyalty, initially a rival to Sonic, but later a close friend.
Other Notable Characters:
* Amy Rose: A pink hedgehog with a crush on Sonic, known for her energetic personality and hammer.
* Shadow the Hedgehog: A black hedgehog with a troubled past, Sonic's rival (and sometimes teammate).
* Dr. Eggman (Dr. Robotnik): The main antagonist, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who seeks to conquer the world with robots.
* Rouge the Bat: A bat with a love for treasure, often an ally to Sonic but sometimes follows her own goals.
* Big the Cat: A large cat with a love for fishing, often comic relief.
* Cream the Rabbit: A young rabbit with a fondness for animals, and her partner, Cheese the Chao.
* Vector the Crocodile: A leader of the Chaotix detective agency, known for his investigative skills and witty banter.
* Espio the Chameleon: A member of the Chaotix, known for his stealth and tactical thinking.
* Charmy Bee: A member of the Chaotix, known for his energy and tendency to get distracted.
Other Characters:
The Sonic universe is expansive with a large cast of characters, both heroes and villains.
It's important to note that certain characters gain prominence in different periods of the franchise. For example, characters like Metal Sonic and Blaze the Cat were prominent in certain games but haven't appeared as often in recent years.
Ultimately, the "main" characters of Sonic are a matter of personal opinion and what you consider a "main" character!