What made the original Star Wars resonate with so many wasn't the strange creatures and planets, the spaceships, or the lightsabers (though these certainly didn't hurt). It was the story of a young person ready to leave home and embark on something scary and exciting, and the idea that anyone might be capable of doing something great.
Luke found something larger than himself to be a part of, and found within himself a strength he didn't know he had. Since the first movie, Star Wars has introduced us to many other protagonists: a Jedi Master, a slave, a padawan, a smuggler, a criminal, a bounty hunter, and a scavenger.
Qui-Gon Jinn
Qui-Gon Jinn was Obi Wan Kenobi's Jedi Master. Despite his position as somewhat of an outsider among the Jedi, he followed their philosophy better than anyone else in the Order. His views were considered too unconventional to be allowed a seat on the Jedi council, however. Qui-Gon serves as the protagonist of The Phantom Menace, with his actions and choices driving most of the story.
He is extremely compassionate and follows his instincts, which led him to go out of his way to help those in need. Without Qui-Gon's insistence that Anakin Skywalker be trained as a Jedi, many of the events of the Star Wars saga so far would have happened.
Din Djarin
Fans are still learning about Din Djarin, whose story will be continued when season two of The Mandalorian is released later this month. So far, we know that he is a "foundling", an orphaned child saved from a war-torn planet by the Mandalorians. He adopts their way of life and becomes a bounty hunter.
He's the strong and silent type, but his softer side comes out when he finds Baby Yoda (not actually baby Yoda, but at this point it's clear that "The Child" moniker just doesn't have the same ring to it). He takes on the role of father and protector, and the relationship between these two becomes the driving force of the show.
Han Solo
Han Solo grew up poor on a planet oppressed by a violent gang. He managed to escape and enlisted in the Empire's military, whose rigor didn't suit his rebellious personality. He met Tobias Beckett and forced his way into his crew, wanting to be a pilot and go back to save his old girlfriend, Qi'ra.
His cocky, selfish exterior weakly masks the caring nature underneath. Han always claims that he doesn't care about people and doesn't often show emotion, but he actually cares quite a bit and becomes an integral part of the Rebellion, and, later, the Resistance.
Jyn Erso
Jyn Erso was the daughter of Galen Erso, a brilliant scientist who worked for the Empire and masterminded the construction of the Death Star. When she was a young child, she witnessed her mother's murder and went into hiding among a rebel insurgent group focused on taking down the Empire. She became disillusioned with this life and began to lead a life of crime.
The rebels pulled her out of prison, hoping to use her to get to her father. She discovered that he had agreed to help the Empire in order to give the rebels a chance, and that he had put in a way for them to easily destroy the Death Star without his superiors awareness of what he'd done. This inspired Jyn to take a stand, as well as the friendships she formed with a group of rebels. She ultimately gave her life to complete her father's mission, and allowed the rebels to live to fight another day.
Ezra Bridger
Ezra Bridger's story begins when he comes in contact with the Ghost crew. He was unknowingly connected to the Force in a way he didn't yet understand. Kanan offers to teach Ezra in the ways of the Force, and he agrees to learn.
His skills progressed quite rapidly, and he found a family among the crew of rebels he'd joined. Over the course of Rebels, Ezra learned to let go of the anger he had over losing his parents at a young age, instead choosing to focus on the positive feelings he gained from his new relationships.
Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka Tano was assigned to be Anakin Skywalker's padawan in an effort to teach him about responsibility. Her determination proved to be one of her greatest strengths and weaknesses, often getting her into trouble in the early days of The Clone Wars. She took after her Master in many ways, often taking bravery to the point of recklessness. Also like Anakin, she never gives up on the people she loves.
Even as a padawan, her ability to center herself and calm her reckless impulses at times is stronger than Anakin's. She's often quick to jump to conclusions, but humble enough to learn a lesson and admit when she was wrong. The Jedi Order failed her as it would her Master, and she opted to leave the corruption behind to find her own destiny.
Rey
When we're first introduced to Rey in The Force Awakens, she's a self-reliant but lonely young woman surviving on a harsh desert planet. She yearned for a family who had left her behind, but dreamed of a better life. Her life changed when she found and rescued BB-8. She could have sold him for food, but chose not to do to him what she knew deep down had been done to her. She then met Finn, who gave her the push she needed to actually get off of Jakku.
The Force had bigger plans for Rey than she could imagine, and she was drawn to Anakin Skywalker's old lightsaber, which gave her visions that terrified and intrigued her. She found that she had a strong connection to Kylo Ren, and her relationship with him led to a lot of personal growth. She was able to accept her destiny, but still looked too much to the past for answers. Luke Skywalker and the cave on Ahch-To taught her valuable lessons on forging her own future.
Luke Skywalker
Luke's mother died after giving birth to him and his sister, and his father had just taken his place alongside an evil dictator as the galaxy fell to oppressive rule. So, not the best start. Obi Wan brought him to his aunt and uncle on Tatooine, who raised him while concealing the truth about his parents. Luke lived a simple life, but always craved more.
Everything changed when he met Obi Wan, who gave him more insight on who Anakin Skywalker was, as well as who Luke could be. Luke's aunt and uncle were killed, and this tragedy severed his last ties to Tatooine. He set off with Obi Wan and Han to save Leia, who he would later find out was his twin sister. Not long after losing his aunt and uncle, Luke witnessed Obi Wan die. He chose to continue on his path, training as a Jedi and joining the rebellion. However, it isn't Luke's strength or skill that makes him a hero that's resonated with so many, but his bravery and compassion.
Anakin Skywalker
Anakin Skywalker was quite literally born of the Force, having no biological father. This is why he is the most powerful user in Star Wars canon. He is an interesting character due to all of his conflict. He was raised as a slave until he met Qui-Gon, and was finally able to leave Tatooine behind, but at the cost of never seeing his mother again.
The Jedi Council feared him from the start, though he was only a child, and he never fully felt acceptance. He was thought to be the prophesied Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force, but he was being corrupted by the influence of Palpatine, who groomed him from a young age to facilitate his eventual turn to the dark side. He fell in love with Padmé, despite the Jedi's ban on attachment, and secretly married her in Attack of the Clones. Anakin is a very tragic and compelling character, one who went from being the strongest hero to the worst villain.