4. R2-D2 – Star Wars
Among Star Wars fans, it’s something of a running joke that R2-D2 has had a hand in every major event in the franchise. He’s seen the rise and fall and of the Galactic Empire, then the rise and fall of the First Order, and he’s consistently been on the side of good. (No dark side teases for this R2 unit, thank you very much.)
He’s first introduced to the Skywalkers in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace when he meets recently liberated former slave and future Sith lord Anakin Skywalker. From then on out, he’s repeatedly seen saving the lives of Jedi and Rebels, helping destroy weapons of mass (galactic) destruction, and withholding vital plot information until the appropriate moment.
Nowhere is R2-D2’s importance as noticeable as in the events of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, where he saves the lives of both Anakin and Obi-Wan numerous times (and is only occasionally appreciated by Anakin). Most characters dismiss R2 as little more than a robotic servant, and therefore his acts of heroism are usually seen as nothing more than him acting in accordance with his programming.
However, R2 shows time and again that he’s far braver, smarter, and more resourceful than most other Star Wars characters, and he’s more than deserving of a spot on this list.
Most fellow readers of LOTR tend to believe Sam is the main character of the entire story. He is considered a ring bearer and does eventually leave the for undying lands. His worth and perception in the entire story is more inline with the reader than say Frodo.