In most 'time loop Harry Potter fanfiction', Harry is front and center. His character development within the loop is usually the focus. But Hermione is a key figure too. She could be the one to discover the magical theory behind the time loop. For example, she might find a long - forgotten spell or potion that could be related to time manipulation. Ron, although sometimes overshadowed by Harry and Hermione, can bring in the element of friendship and loyalty. In some cases, characters from the Death Eaters side like Bellatrix Lestrange might be involved if the time loop is related to a major battle or a plot against Voldemort. Their presence can add more danger and complexity to the story.
Liara is another character that frequently shows up. Her knowledge of Prothean technology and history might be crucial in understanding and potentially stopping the time loop. She could be using her skills as a scientist and her connection to Shepard to figure out what's going on.
Obviously, Harry Potter himself is a main character as the story revolves around his new ability of time - mastery. Hermione Granger is also often involved. She would likely be the one to help Harry research about the time - related magic, using her vast knowledge of magic and books in the library.
It really depends on the source material. For example, if it's based on a superhero franchise, it could be the main superhero like Superman or Batman. If it's a fantasy - based one, perhaps a wizard or a chosen hero from the original work. There's no one - size - fits - all answer as different fanfictions can be based on different universes and thus feature different popular characters.
Sansa Stark is frequently in these fanfictions. As someone who was a victim of Joffrey's cruelty, if he is in a time loop, Sansa might find herself in a different situation each time. Maybe in one loop Joffrey starts to treat her better, which would completely change her perspective and her own actions within the story. Also, Cersei Lannister could be involved. As Joffrey's mother, she would be very concerned about any changes in her son during the time loop and might try to interfere to keep things as she wants them.
Naruto could be often involved. Since he's Kakashi's student, he might be part of the events that keep repeating in the time loop. Kakashi could be trying to protect Naruto in different ways each time the loop occurs.
Harry Potter himself is often involved. He might be the one to encounter the first signs of inflation, whether it's a magically inflating potion or an enchanted object. His friends, like Ron and Hermione, are also likely to be part of the story, helping him figure out what's going on.
Ron Weasley could also be a key figure. He might be Harry's loyal friend as always, standing by his side during all the changes that Harry is bringing about in the wizarding world as a god. And there could be new characters introduced as well, perhaps other gods or magical beings that interact with Harry in this new fanfiction realm.
In some cases, Albus Dumbledore could play an important role. His wisdom and power in the wizarding world would make him a key figure in any situation where the two different universes collide. He might be the one to first discover Alexstrasza's presence and figure out how to make use of her abilities in the fight against the dark forces in the Harry Potter world.
Obviously, Harry Potter himself is always a main character. He is the one most directly associated with the concept of death in the original series, what with his parents' death and his multiple near - death experiences.
Ron Weasley could be another main character. He might be initially skeptical about the piano's magic but then be amazed when he sees the extraordinary things it can do. Maybe he accidentally discovers a new function of the piano while fooling around with it in the Gryffindor common room.