Harrison Ford
Played by Harrison Ford, Han Solo is an old smuggler and former general in the Rebel Alliance who, with the help of longtime sidekick Chewbacca (affectionately called "Chewie") have begun to, well, smuggle to make a living. Since last time we saw him in The Return of the Jedi, Solo has turned into a bit of curmudgeon; he has few aspirations other than to make money and to perhaps reconcile with his estranged son turned sith lord, Kylo Ren.
Daisey Ridley
Daisy Ridley is Rey, a young scavenger who is stranded on the planet Jakku. Her parents and any relatives are not in the picture; she is alone. A very self-sufficient and excitable character, Rey has boundless aspiration and an even bigger imagination. She dreams of one day escaping the planet and joining the Rebels (perhaps as a pilot).
After she discovers the abandoned BB-8, she begins her journey to former stormtrooper -- and potential love interest -- Finn, Poe, and the Rebels. We learn little else about Rey other than that she is very force sensitive, making her a prime candidate for jedi training.
Adam Driver
As played by Adam Driver, Kylo Ren is the immediate, main antagonist of The Force Awakens. He has a childish way about himself, leading to severe emotional outbursts. He also often has violent tantrums. Ren is Snoke (an all-powerful sith lord's) apprentice. He has a profound hatred for his father, Han Solo, but still somewhat cares for his mother, Leia.
Ren is a powerful warrior of the dark side, a member of the mysterious Knights of Ren, and a high-ranking member of the first order. He is the grandson of the late Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker, Luke and Leia's father) and has a great fondness for him.
Mark Hamill
Despite receiving top billing, Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) is featured in the film for no more than one minute. Despite that, we know Luke is a recluse and a bit of a curmudgeon from his time alone on the distant planet.
Carrie Fisher
Played by Carrie Fisher, Princess (now general) Leia Organa is a compassionate, loving person, brilliant strategist, and very committed to her rebellious (and just) cause of toppling the First Order like she and her rebels toppled the Empire.
In this film, Leia is much different than in the Original Trilogy (comprised of: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi). She is more reserved (which likely stems from her older age), tired, not as optimistic, and under an immense amount of pressure.
