Pikachu

Pikachu is a great example of a good character. Probably the most well known character from any anime (when I tell people who don't really know anime that I like anime they often respond with 'oh, like Pikachu and stuff?) and he's achieved all this fame, sold millions of items with his face on with only being able to say his name.

Pikachu has tonnes of appeal however. The high pitched voice, the enthusiasm, and his appearance are all solid memories of nearly a whole generation.




This moment in particular shows how much of a strong character Pikachu is. You can feel the emotion he has when he sees Ash turned into stone and to see him cry is nigh-on heartbreaking. 
Pokemon wouldn't really be anything without Pikachu. Rarely do I see a piece of Pokemon merchandise without his face plastered all over it. It says a lot about a character when a show would loose probably about 95% of its ratings if he/she were not to appear in it anymore.