1. Tifa - An introverted yet strong willed character, it's nice to see a strong female for a change that is capable of doing things on her own without being forced into situations, and also to see her pull Cloud back from the brink. She is a mother, a friend AND a lover depending on what the situation called for.
2. Red XIII - Tricky given I love him and get so annoyed at him too. I love him because his side story is the most touching I've seen in a video game, and I love him because of his wisdom and years of knowledge. I get frustrated at him, though, because he switches from wise old head in a badass creature's body to a wussy pussy once he finds his grandpa. I have no idea what happened, but I thought the entire sidequest should have made him stronger but if anything since that moment I feel that he was weaker.
3. Cloud - A fantastic lead character, he still pissed me off with his occasional emo moments.
4=. Cid - Oh, that Cid!
4=. Barret - Oh, that Barret!
6=. Yuffie - She was okay, I guess, but Wutai stuff aside she never really caught my attention on any level.
6=. Vincent - Just never really got attached to him on any level. Indifferent for the most part. Feel he's rather overrated, but then I still need to play DoC, maybe his story will open up a little more there and I'll grow fonder of him. *dunno*
8=. Cait Sith - God damn, this guy could be annoying.
8=. Aeris - Bitch, leave Cloud the hell alone. >=|