Which characters do you think would have a good dynamic or deserve core cast exposure? Your picks can be for any faction.

 

Probably obscure characters, or those who don't get a lot of focus.
So I'd go with...

Autobots

• Elita-1
• Glyph and Tap-Out
• Lightbright
• Hound
• Cosmos
• Gears (to be a foil to Hound)

And they'd be an exploration team, akin to the Axalon crew.
Not sure about who my core cast of 'Cons would be.

 

Using the same layout since it works pretty well. Just some ideas, not 100% sure that they would actually work and some would be reoccurring guests

Autobots

• Wing Saber
• Tracks
• Hound
• Bluestreak
• Backstreet
• Roulette
• Wheeljack
• Minerva
• Ironhide

Decepticons

• Megatron
• Soundwave
• Ruckus
• Apeface
• Snapdragon
• Spinister
• Brawl
• Rollbar
• Slugslinger

 

Autobots:

Optimus ( basically a mix of his prime and animated incarnation with Peter Cullen voicing him)

Ratchet ( based on his prime version)

Arcee ( again her prime version except less angry)

hotrod ( based on prime smokescreen)

Wheeljack ( based on his g1 version)

Ultra magnus ( based on his prime version)

jazz ( based on his animated version)

perceptor ( based on his cyberverse version)

grimlock ( he’s more of an anti hero)

elita 1 ( based on her siege version)

jetfire ( based on his G1 version)

prowl ( based on his idw version)


Decepticons:

megatron ( based on his animated version and siege version with frank welker voicing him )

starscream ( based on his prime and animated version but more evil with mark hamill voicing him)

soundwave ( based on G1 version eventually after the death of one of his cassettes he he eventually becomes the prime version)

Shockwave ( based on the marvel version)

knockout ( based on his prime version, duh)

thundercracker ( he’s decepticon who’s not sure if the decepticon cause is worth fighting for and eventually defecting to the autobots later on)

skywarp ( he’s jake Paul but with a brain, jokes aside he’s a douchebag and a trickster but cares for thundercracker like an older brother)

slipstream ( based on her animated version)

bludgeon ( based on his marvel version)

onslaught ( a strict military commander with OCD)

swindle ( based on his animated version)

vortex (extremely sadistic and insane )

brawl ( a huge muscular poet)

blast off ( a mechanic)



and an army of seekers

 

Well, my ideal core cast of Autobots would be this.

Rodimus Prime (leader): The Autobot leader. Although he has a lot of physical presence and bulk, his personality is the complete opposite. Rodimus is a broken man, scarred by past events which he had mentally blocked for a long time until he was captured and tortured by the Quintessons. Suffering from post-trauma stress, Rodimus has nightmares and flashes to all the horrible memories he experienced (the death of his childhood sweetheart Velocity, the extermination of the first team he ever led, his abuse at the hands of his Elite Guard superiors, the many torture sessions he spent while imprisoned in enemy camps and his being kicked out of the Guard for disobeying orders being some of the most notable moments that increased his self-hatred and he relives every night and day). His past has left him with various doubts about his own leadership skills and he really feels like the war is slowly killing him. He is also brutal in battle, fighting with desperation and anger. He feels the protection of his own people is more important than his own life, which is why when he goes into combat, he knows that it might be his last battle. He despises what he has become, and wishes to live a normal life. Despite his problems, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Rodimus. Arcee tries to help him out in reaching that light so that when the war is over, his herculean efforts in keeping his people and the Earth safe will pay off and they can finally live in peace.

Nightbeat (second-in-command, detective): One of the toughest investigators and warriors you can ever find, Nightbeat is one of Rodimus' oldest allies and one of his most valuable soldiers. Nightbeat is a take charge kind of guy and a natural leader. He always gives Rodimus advice on how to deal with problems like a father would, but once he goes into battle, he becomes a tough, no-nonsense, almost invulnerable warrior. However, despite his durability, he sometimes feels his age is catching up to him.

Arcee (third-in-command, warrior): Arcee might seem like a warrior first and a woman second, but in her own opinion, she is both at the same time. A kind, gentle friend to the other Autobots, but a tough, deadly warrior to her enemies. She also seems to be more of a natural leader than Rodimus, but she knows her place and never imposes anything on him. However, she does worry about Rodimus' mental state, and his violent behavior has distanced them quite a bit due to the fear they both have. Rodimus is afraid about harming the woman he loves most, while Arcee is quite reluctant to talk to him due to his unpredictable mood swings.

Bumblebee (espionage): The little brother of the Autobots. Bumblebee is eager to prove himself to his allies and always has a kind and good natured attitude towards everything. However, despite his boundless energy, he is also the weakest Autobot in terms of physique.

Wheeljack (mechanical engineer): The mad scientist of the Autobots, Wheeljack loves to come up with new gadgets to aid in the battle against the Decepticons. He is also quite a skilled driver and hand-to-hand combatant.

Minerva (field nurse): A nice, kind and gentle young nurse, Minerva is the angel of mercy of the team. However, despite all of her good attributes, she also has a lot of insecurity and doubts about her future. The death of her older brother Evac affected her deeply and shattered her confidence, enough to make her drop out from her studies.

Smokescreen (diversionary tactician): Shifty, smooth and sleazy. Smokescreen is quite possibly the least trustworthy Autobot, but there is no denying that the dubious nature of his personality works wonders at times. He is also a compulsive gambler and a womanizer, which is very much the opposite of his old friend and bickering partner Siren.

Drift (ninja master): A former Decepticon who saw the light. Although regretful of his previous actions, he is trying to redeem himself and look into the future. He is also the resident trainer of the Autobots.

Nautica (quantum mechanic): The last survivor of Caminus. Nautica is a happy, peppy, optimistic and energetic girl. She enjoys partying and fooling around, but she is also quite intelligent and inventive. However, her partying demeanor is basically a facade, a cover for the loss of her home planet. Partying could be considered a drug to escape from her grief (kinda similar to Spider-Man, his webswinging basically being like a drug to escape real life's problems). However, the prospect of going into a party can lead her into trouble.

Daytonus (mechanic, warrior): The cool, charismatic yet mysterious guy of the team. Although he is pretty young, he has a very high moral code. He always treats others with respect and sticks up for those who can't defend themselves. He's also very successful with women. Another thing that makes him even more enigmatic is his almost magical ability to manipulate technology with just a nudge, bump or a snap of his fingers for things such as starting a car, turning on lights, coaxing free sodas from a vending machine, activating Teletraan-I, making girls respond, or changing the song selection on a juke box.

Breakaway (laser trooper, sniper, electronics expert): The downbeat, laidback and somewhat lazy guy of the team. Although a very skilled sniper and electronics expert, Breakaway does tend to be a bit of a rebel. He tends to get quite ticked when his stasis naps get interrupted, but he just grumbles. However, his laidback demeanor hides a very damaged and lonely person.

Windblade (sneak attack specialist): Smokescreen's lifebond partner. A former exotic dancer, her spark was extracted by Lockdown. For years, Smokescreen tried to find her spark, and when he finally did, Windblade retained her youth despite the passage of time. Windblade is sassy, tough and blunt. She also tends to be somewhat obscene at times due to her disreputable past.

Strongarm (counter intelligence, police officer): The law-abiding, by-the-book officer of the Autobots. Although an Autobot by appearance, Strongarm feels more like a human at heart, and she spends hanging around more with human police officers than her fellow teammates. However, her rising feelings for Decepticon maintenance expert Knock Out have caused her to doubt herself and what she stands for.

Wreck-Gar (Junkion warrior, signal interceptor): The oddball of the team. Being a Junkion, Wreck-Gar talks TV and constantly quotes many TV shows he enjoys. He is also quite handy when it comes to detecting enemy signals and energy signatures.

Siren (fourth-in-command, drill sergeant, incendiary damage control): The loudest, toughest member of the Autobots. An old, gruff Cybertronian marine, Siren has natural authority and leadership skills. Not someone you can like immediately, but someone you can definitely trust with your life. Quite close to Smokescreen. Their bickering routine is basically a part of a long-lasting friendship that has gone on for years.

Rattrap (intelligence, surveillance expert): Rodimus and Arcee's time-travelling great nephew. Suffers from psychopathy, he is quite brutal when it comes to battle. However, despite his mental condition, he has found people who care about him and don't judge him for his psychopathy. The Autobots understand what he goes through and try to help him the best way they can.

Pyra Magna (Torchbearer leader): The leader of the Torchbearers. Wise, experienced and imposing, Pyra's strong sense of justice and sophisticated demeanor inspires respect from her peers. However, despite her confident exterior, she feels quite inadequate a lot of times and constant remarks against her leadership and rebellious streaks from Dustup and Stormclash really leave her demoralized.

Rust Dust (scout): The youngest of the Torchbearers and the most excitable one. She is a big fan of Earth's comic book superheroes and always tries to emulate them in battle.

Dustup (ground assault): Impulsive and rather triggerhappy, Dustup hides quite a lot beneath that mask of hers. Her face permanently scarred after attempting suicide due to the death of her future lifebond partner Evac (Minerva's older brother) and still unable to cope, Dustup tends to be rather distant and harsh, but there are times where her softer side shows.

Jumpstream (medic): Minerva's progenitor and Pyra Magna's oldest friend and closest associate. Jumpstream is kind, caring and soft-spoken, which are traits that Minerva inherited from her, but she is much more forceful in attitude thanks to her experience.

Stormclash (aerial assault): Stormclash is the most vengeful member of the team. She is filled with anger and when she is in battle, she lets it all out. Her rather hot-tempered personality constantly leaves her at odds with Pyra Magna.

Skyburst (aerial defense): Stormclash's twin sister. Unlike Stormclash, Skyburst is a pacifist and doesn't enjoy combat. She is also quite shy and reserved, feeling quite awkward in social interactions.

Victorion (super warrior, guardian of the Enigma): The combined form of the Torchbearers. Driven by a strong sense of justice. Carries the Enigma of Combination in the hilt of the sword. Despite her strength and combat skills, Victorion is quite impatient and filled with fury, and if she uses the power of the Enigma in battle, she will separate into her individual components.

And the Decepticons would be these.

Shockwave (leader): Basically similar to the Marvel comics version.

Deluge (second-in-command, scientist): Shockwave's right hand man. Basically the equivalent of your typical Nazi mad scientist.

Starscream (aerial assault): An egotistical, childish buffoon with daddy issues. Starscream's progenitor was one of the most well known schemers and air commanders in Cybertron, and when Megatron killed him, Starscream took his place, but as time passed and he kept trying to take over leadership after Megatron's destruction (only to be demoted to field trooper), Starscream figured out that he just didn't have what it took to be as good as his father, so he gradually becomes less enthusiastic about being a Decepticon and feels that he should do better.

Runabout and Runamuck (shock troopers): The two punks of the Decepticons. Not too bright and extremely hyperactive.

Thunderhoof (mobster): A very notorious crime boss with a rather mean streak. Nightbeat's rival, though he has also held his own against Rodimus.

Knock Out (maintenance): The sardonic member of the Decepticons (akin to Eve Arden's Connie Brooks) and a very narcissistic fellow. He falls in love with Strongarm, which actually causes her a lot of doubt about her path to becoming an upstanding police officer, knowing about being in different sides. Still, despite this, Knock Out enjoys teasing and harassing her.

Tankor (ground assault): An angry, vengeful destroyer who only thinks about destroying everything in his path.

Sky-Byte (field commander): Sky-Byte is left in charge of the troops in the battlefield and is quite an effective leader. However, he is a bit too melodramatic and theatrical at times. He has a continuing rivalry against Drift.

Quake (berserker): Basically what would happen if Ricky Ricardo was a Transformer. Quake has a rather itchy trigger finger and he is quite destructive, but he has a great passion for Cuban music. He is married to Knock Out's sister Lucy. Both Quake and Knock Out serve as the Odd Couple of the Decepticons.

Blitzwing (ground and air assault): A rather honorable fighter, but somewhat gullible and not too bright at times. He was tricked by Deluge into thinking that the Autobots were brutal killers, but he eventually learns the truth and starts doubting his own cause, to the point that he starts hanging out quite frequently with Starscream.

Piranacon/The Seacons: Piranacon is composed of Snaptrap (the honorable yet ruthless leader), Nautilator (the clumsy, endearing Rodney Dangerfield type), Overbite (the relentless predator), Seawing (the sinister, shady dweller of the depths), Skalor (the stinky, primitive brute) and Tentakil (the sneaky, affable charmer with a grip that kills). Piranacon is a force to be reckoned with, an incredibly powerful destroyer and merciless fighter. His rivalry with Victorion has spanned millenia.

 

My core cast:

Autobots
Optimus Prime - Transformers: Cybertron version, but with Animated background and Optimus Primal’s Beast Wars personality
Ultra Magnus - RID2001 version in personality and appearance, but with a more mature approach to his brother’s position once it is given to Prime
Wing Saber - Same version that Optimus Prime is, his Cybertron version and personality, but with more of a back story and hidden depths (former commander who was falsely blamed for treason)
Ratchet - Prime version with Animated’s personality and background
Starscream - Armada form’s skill, personality and voice with Power of the Primes form (actually defects and stays defected this time)
Hot Shot - Cybertron form in appearance, and is Hot Rod’s twin brother, while immature and impulsive, similar to his twin, but gets character development and becomes a true hero unlike his twin
Hot Rod - ‘86 Movie version with more of a childish and selfish personality than Hot Shot
Arcee - Animated background with Prime form and personality, while less angsty

Decepticons
Megatron - Armada personality with Animated’s background and alt mode
Shockwave - Prime form and personality with Animated’s cunning
Blitzwing - Animated form and personality, but a bit more stable
Soundwave - G1 background an personality, but Prime version in form and how he acts when on the battlefield
Lugnut - Animated version in form, and while loyal as said version, is not as dumb
Slipstream - Similar to Animated Starscream in appearance and personality, but not as obvious about her goals to overthrow Megatron
Knockout - Prime version in form and personality, just not as vain
Arachnid - Prime version, but no grudge or past with Arcee

 

It's a pretty cliche lineup, but this is the cast I have for the Transformers script I've been writing:

Autobots: Optimus Prime (fire truck), Bumblebee (mini cooper), Ironhide (SUV), Jazz (sports car), and Wheeljack (tow truck).

Decepticons: Megatron (tank), Starscream (fighter jet), Soundwave (news van), Shockwave (helicopter), Barricade (police car), Rumble (cell phone), and Generic Seekers.

 

Here is an Idea for two teams that arent in the main battlefield but are fighting on earth.

Autobots:
Hot Shot
Tracks
Jazz (unit leader)
Hound
Nightbeat

Decepticons:

Thundercracker
Blackout
Ruckus
Swindle
Soundblaster (unit leader)

 

Pretty stock list. I always want to include more Decepticons, but I can't ever find any others that feel iconic enough to me.

Autobots:
Optimus Prime
Elita One
Jazz
Prowl
Ironhide
Bumblebee
Wheeljack
Ratchet

Decepticons:
Megatron
Shockwave
Soundwave
Straxus
Sunstorm
Starscream
Thundercracker
Skywarp

 

Earth crew: Refugees and the Autobots who were supposed to protect them stranded on earth.

Hound: Nominal leader and resident laid back cool old guy. Think like Hudson from Gargoyles to get a handle on his demeanor. Was scout in young days, travels Earth and paints landscapes as hobby now.

Cliffjumper: Hothead and a bit of a jerk but it's not entirely his fault. He's a soldier, there's a war going on, and thanks to the crash he's on this backwater planet babysitting civilians while good people and his friends are still dying on the home front.

Mirage: Ex-Decepticon sympathizer, gave information to the Autobots and is now living in the equivalent of Witness Protection. Many Autobots have problems trusting her.

Hoist: Average Cybertronian citizen and usually jovial fix it guy but "Damn it Hound, I'm a structural engineer not a surgeon!"

Bumblebee: The Virginia Dare of the Earthbound bots. Considers earth his natural home but very inquisitive, especially for anything about prewar Cybertron.

Given the premise is refugees learning to make a new home, there will be more Autobots on earth but this is a good representative sample for now.

The Primal Vanguard: Also known as "Optimus' League of Badasses". Leading the actual war effort but play Big Damn Heroes sometimes once the Earthbound make contact again. Most of the usual suspects of the Autobots.

Optimus Prime: The larger than life leader of the Autobots. Clearly war weary to those who really know him beyond the legend, but still fully dedicated to his goal.

Prowl: Strategic head of the Autobots. Much more compassionate than more recent versions, but still prickly around the edges. Comes with the job of maintaining an objective standard while making the hard decisions.

Jazz: Prowl's foil. Everybody's friend but he's the leader of Autobot Special Ops which means he's got the dirtiest hands in the Vanguard. Oddly enough, Prowl and him are inseparable.

Ironhide and Chromia: Optimus' boisterous bodyguards and battle couple. Ironhide is the impenetrable shield and close up brawler while Chromia is the impossibly accurate sniper.

Facing the Earthbound bots at first are Starscream's Star Seekers. They have the job of identifying new planets to stripmine for resources and possible resistance. I may write bios for some of the Decepticons' major players later this week.

 

Uhh, lemme just pull up my old Word doc here...
(This is just the core cast, BTW. Subject to change and all that.)

Team Gaia/Starship Fireball Autobots

Optimus (Prime) - Captain/Gaia Colony Commander, pickup truck and later long-nose semi
Road Rage - First Officer and diplomat, Japanese sports car
Whirl - security officer and armorer, rescue helicopter
Airazor - scout, falcon
Rightaway (OC) - medic, ambulance
Waverider (OC) - sea specialist and scientist/engineer, speedboat
​

Predator Destrons (Decepticons)

(Didn't really think up functions for most of these)
Bludgeon - Captain, battle tank
Barricade - muscle cop car
Bonecrusher - armored truck
Oil Slick - scientist, chopper motorcycle
Mindwipe - stealth plane
Flatline - hearse
Inferno - pyromaniac, tanker truck
Runabout and Runamuck - troublemakers, American sports cars
Sky-Byte - mechanical shark/submarine triple-changer​

 

Following the formula of Animated/Prime with about five or six main guys filling familiar roles

Autobots:

Leader: Optimus Prime
Kid appeal: Hound
Medic: Minerva
Brainy guy: Nightbeat
Thug: Alpha Bravo

Reoccurring guest: Chromia

Decepticons:
Leader: Megatron
Brains: Shockwave
Thugs: Quake, Skywarp, Triggerhappy, Drag Strip and Breakdown
Recon: Barricade

The Decepticons are a bit different from the Autobots in the way the core cast tends to work and with Shockwave, a lot of roles are filled and make room for varied personalities amongst the brutes who dominate the Decepticon ranks.

 

Personally I think they should do like Beast Wars and Beast Machines... actually a way they could do better than the best era...

Keep the core cast to no more than 7 characters per faction (14 characters in total) at any given time. The Beast Era did keep the cast fairly small for the majority of it's run but there were a couple episodes where they went over that number.

I would START with 5 characters in each faction (10 characters in total) that way there's room for characters to switch factions and new characters to be introduced before we have to kill anyone to make room for more additions.

Every character has to have at least half an hour of screen time either in a single spot light episode or accumulated over multiple episodes before they can be killed off or swap factions. And just standing around in a background shot doesn't count, they have to actually be doing something that contributes to the plot.

There can less than the original 5 (10) characters but no more than 7 (14). And the total number of characters for the entire series should never exceed the average number of episodes per season. (A series typically being 3 season with 20 episodes per season. So if you want more than 20 characters the show has to run longer than average to make that work.)

Which characters you have on the cast aren't really as important as how much time you put into developing them. The cast can be anyone but if you over load with too many characters it won't matter so what's the point? And if the core cast never changes it can also start to feel boring and repetitive. If you follow these rules which I feel is the sweet spot between those two extremes then you can make just about any cast work.

 

Quoting this from an older thread. This, with the addition of Optimus, would be my starting main cast. Other characters removed from the conflict on Earth would get side-stories here and there, and the main cast would gain and lose members over time.

So, here’s a roadmap on the cast changes over time:

Starting cast/Season 1:

Autobots:
Optimus Prime
Hot Shot
Red Alert
Wheeljack
Ironhide
Hound

Decepticons:
Starscream (acting leader)
Soundwave
Long Haul
Demolishor
Cyclonus
Tidal Wave (as the ship)

Additions later on in the season:
Thunderblast
Megatron


- Megatron’s return towards the end of the season, revealing his “death” to have only been a test for Starscream, causes the latter to realize his leader isn’t mentally fit. After a failed coup, he and Long Haul strike out on their own.
- Hound is killed by Megatron at the end of season 1, devastating Hot Shot and damaging the the Autobots’ moral.

Second season -

Autobots:
Optimus Prime
Hot Shot
Red Alert
Wheeljack
Ironhide
Override
Wing Saber

Decepticons:
Megatron
Ransack
Soundwave
Demolishor
Cyclonus
Tidal Wave
Thunderblast
Dirge

Independent:
Starscream
Long Haul

- Ironhide kills Optimus and defects, resulting in Hot Shot becoming leader.

Third season -

Autobots:
Hot Shot (leader)
Red Alert
Wheeljack
Override
Wing Saber
Ultra Magnus
Springer
Scattorshot

Decepticons:
Megatron
Ironhide (defected)
Ransack
Demolishor
Cyclonus
Tidal Wave
Thunderblast
Dirge

Independent:
Starscream
Long Haul
Obsidian
Tankor
Jet Storm

Planet X faction (Soundwave reveals his true origins with the arrival of Sideways):
Soundwave
Sideways

- Ultra Magnus and the remaining Wreckers arrive to challenge Hot Shot’s position, but with time recognize him.
- Megatron kills Cyclonus once the latter begins to remember his life as Sandstorm. This pushes Demolishor to align with the Autobots
- Megatron and Ironhide die in the season finale. The other Decepticons leave to form a new faction.

Fourth season -

Autobots:
Hot Shot
Red Alert
Wheeljack
Override
Wing Saber
Springer
Scattorshot
Demolishor (aligned with the Autobots)

Liberators (believing in what the Decepticons originally stood for, and taking on their original name):
Scourge (leader)
Undermine
Brimstone
Onslaught
Swindle
Brawl
Blast-Off
Vortex

New Decepticons (basically Ransack’s vanity project; looking to continue with Megatron’s vision):
Ransack (leader)
Crumplezone
Tidal Wave
Thunderblast
Dirge
Bonecrusher
Sledge
Steamhammer
Duststorm
Wideload
Kickback
Shrapnel

Imperialists (Shockwave, once exiled by Megatron, enters the war to exact his revenge and reformat Cybertron in his image):
Shockwave (leader)
Slipstream
Banzaitron
Hardtop
Strika
Cannonball

Independent:
Starscream
Long Haul
Obsidian
Tankor
Jet Storm

Planet X faction:
Soundwave
Sideways

- Megatron’s death (for realzies this time) causes the Decepticons to break into smaller factions with differing goals. This moves the war away from Earth and firmly towards the many colony worlds.
- Combiners become the primary weapon the factions try to harness, though the difficulty that comes with programming this function results in great harm to a number of participants.
- Shockwave strikes a deal with Sideways and Soundwave, forcing a final conflict on Cybertron. The other factions work together to stop their attempt to reformat the planet.
- The aftermath results in a peace treaty, with Hot Shot overseeing a provisional government, before abolishing the office of Prime and stepping down.

 

Here's my starting point - fairly basic, though I tried to add a tad more gender diversity

Autobots:

Optimus Prime: Standard Optimus Prime - compassionate, courageous, and wise leader

Prowl: Toned down IDW version - Prime's second-in-command/strategist, willing to do unethical things to win the war, and the Autobot least fond of Earth/humanity.

Ironhide: Mix of Bayverse Ironhide & Prime Ratchet - both the Autobots' trigger-happy weapon specialist and Optimus' oldest friend/confidant.

Red Alert: A female Autobot medic, like the Animated iteration. Personality-wise she's basically Mordin Solus from Mass Effect: highly analytical, blunt, and logic-driven.

Wheeljack: G1-esque mad scientist, often paired with Red Alert even though his eccentricities grate her.

Arcee: G1/Prime - compassionate warrior who's the big sister of the group. Her PTSD would be played a bit differently than Prime; instead of being stand-offish and revenge-driven, she'd be overly protective of her friends and concerned about making sure none of them get hurt.

Hot Rod: TFTM - "Turbo-revving young punk," runs afoul of the older Autobots (Prowl, Ironhide, Arcee), closest to the Autobots' human friends, Optimus sees potential in him.

Decepticons

Megatron: Mostly based on Animated, though quicker to rage and with a tank alt-mode.

Starscream: Mostly G1/Prime, but with some Armada thrown in - Starscream starts out devoted to Megatron and desperate to impress him, but his continual failure to do so mixed with Megatron's insults contort into treacherous thoughts and turn Starscream into the schemer we all know and love

Soundwave: Prime personality, Robots In Disguise design. Has Laserbeak & Ravage as minions.

Thundercracker: G1/IDW - doesn't really believe in the Decepticon cause and is averse to violence, but is kept from straying away by the other Cons.

Skywarp: G1 but more intelligent + female like the Cyberverse version. Skywarp's sneakiness and craftiness would be played up, as would her relationship with Thundercracker - the two of them are Split-Spark twins, and she's the one who mostly keeps him in line.

Demolishor: Armada with a bit of Animated Lugnut - loyal but none-too-bright Decepticon brute who resents Starscream

Knock Out: Basically the Prime version

Some I've considered having join later would be the Dinobots, Hound, Windblade, Smokescreen, Nightbeat (for the Autobots), Shockwave, Blitzwing, Bludgeon, the Combaticons, and a version of Dead End based on Armada Wheeljack (for the Decepticons), but the ones above would be the hypothetical "Season 1" cast

 

Autobots
Orion Pax (basically Animated Optimus in IDW Orion's body with Alternators Optimus' alt-mode)
Side Burn, and
Hot Shot as twins (same body type, only Burn would have a blue version of Shot's Powerlinx deco)
Roadblock
Downshift (Cybertron version)
Brains (Minicon, though design-wise probably closer to his tie-in comic/Rising Storm counterpart)
Bulkhead (basically his Beast Hunters design in its Go! colors)
Strongarm
Rack 'N' Ruin

Decepticons
Megatronus (The Fallen, essentially the RID '15 version)
Sky-Byte (probably closer to the Timelines version, with a shark-like vehicle mode)
Demolishor (Powerlinx colors)
Snow Cat
Sideways (Cybertron version, with a jet mode)
Blackout
Lugnut
Knock Out (probably closer to the Adventure version)
Clobber (Lugnut's twin sister, but with her land-based alt-mode to contrast his aerial alt-mode)

 

Last I checked I came up with this list. This is just the core 5 Autobots. Still deciding if I want 5 or 7:

1. Optimus Prime
2. Warpath
3. Hoist
4. Wheeljack
5. Punch/Counterpunch

There will be, as of now, about 50 characters from both sides. I like to run with as many obscure characters as I can. It's my series and I can do whatever the hell I want with it, frankly. But I worry sometimes that I've hit the point where my creativity is akin to throwing stuff on the wall to see what sticks.

 

Just to clarify as to how my version of Hot Rod/Rodimus would be, he would basically be a hybrid between Rambo and Timothy Dalton's James Bond (burned out and really explosive when it comes to emotional reactions). These clips give an idea of how he would behave in different situations:

-Having an emotional breakdown
-Reacting to loss/grieving
-Battling multiple opponents (part one)
-Battling multiple opponents (part two)
-Reacting to loss/rage boiling
-Rage unleashed
-Battling one-on-one
-Interacting with Arcee 1
-Interacting with Arcee 2

And his being kicked out of the Guard would be something akin to this:

 

Autobots:
Optimus Prime
Bumblebee
Jazz
Windblade
Ironhide
Ratchet
Prowl
Wheeljack

the rest of the Autobot supporting cast would include Cliffjumper, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Mirage, Bluestreak, Trailbreaker, Hound, Brawn, Gears, Huffer, Windcharger, Blaster, & Jetfire

With later seasons introducing the rest of Sunbow’s Season 2 characters (Perceptor, Omega, Tracks, etc), Alpha Trion, Elita One’s Female Autobots, the Dinobots, Sentinel Prime, the Aerialbots, Protectobots, & the Wreckers(Impactor, Magnus, Roadbuster, Whirl, Rack n Ruin, & the Jumpstarters)

Decepticons:
Megatron
Starscream
Soundwave
Shockwave
Thundercracker
Skywarp
Slipstream
Barricade

the rest of the supporting Decepticon cast being the Reflector trio, Frenzy, Rumble, Laserbeak, Ravage, Bitstream, Hotlink, Sunstorm, Nacelle, Red Wing, Acid Storm, Ion Storm, & Nova Storm

Later seasons would introduce the Constructicons, the Insecticons, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Lugnut, the Coneheads, the Stunticons, & the Combaticons

 

I got several core casts. I'll share a bunch of 'em.
MAIN STORY FIRST HALF
Autobots
Hot Rod - Starts off the typical brash young punk. He has a soft spot for his friends but tries to hide it. The first half focuses on him maturing.
Ultra Magnus - The leader of the Elite Guard, Optimus' spark brother. Loyal soldier, though a bit too loyal to the cause, leading him to be a bit of a hardass.
Kup - Hot Rod's father figure. Veteran of the Silvart War before the Great War.
Arcee - Hot Rod's best friend, and a big sister-figure. A skilled warrior who can come off as scary but is really sweet. Cares about her friends but can be overprotective of Hot Rod. Their relationship is antagonistic yet friendly, berating each other but not for antagonistic reasons, just fooling around.
Wheelie - Comic relief. An aspiring poet with a vulgar personality(A mix of G1 and RotF Wheelie).
Blurr - Wheelie's best friend. Before the Great War, he was an arrogant, and now he's sorta a mix of Armada Blurr and G1 Blurr with the looks of Armada Blurr. A serious-minded and somewhat competitive sniper, also a fast-talking nervous wreck.
Springer - Former member of the Wreckers before they were disbanded. Friend of Ultra Magnus. Instead of a quippy action hero, he's the typical anime-esque, cold hard badass.

Decepticons
Thundercracker - Decepticon seeker. Has something of a superiority complex, and is also an intellectual. Now that Megatron is dead, he starts to doubt the Decepticon cause, if there even is a cause anymore.
Skywarp - Thundercracker's pal. Dumb yet lovable. Light-hearted prankster and a thug.
Shockwave - Decepticon military commander and scientist. Not a stereotypical mad scientist, is instead a more realistic physicist.
Sixshot - Former member of the Six Clan. Was once honorable, has now sunk to rock bottom. Has a redemption arc, becomes Greatshot thanks to a character I do not wish to reveal.
(The Decepticon core cast is small, as there are many other Decepticons acting as side villains.)

The first half focuses on the chaos after the deaths of Optimus and Megatron and repairing the chaos, as well as making amends. As for the second half, AKA the Unicron arc:
Cybertronian Alliance
Hot Rod - Now matured, though self-doubting. The second half focuses on him gaining confidence and learning to have courage and to believe in himself.
Ultra Magnus - After a fight with Cyclonus, Scourge, and Galvatron, he has shed his armor and revealed himself to be Albino Pax. Has learned to soften up.
Arcee - Has started learning and will learn the importance of letting go of someone she cares about and letting them solve their own problems, more specifically Hot Rod. Deals with her feelings for him and eventually has to confess.
Wheelie - Has a little character arc of his own, becoming a better poet.
Blurr - Learns to calm the hell down once in a while.
Springer - Deals with trauma from the war and his time as a Wrecker.
Thundercracker - Learns to step down from his high horse.
Skywarp - No real character arc, acts more as a support for Thundercracker's arc.
Shockwave - Mysteriously disappears.
Greatshot - Has redeemed himself and became Greatshot.
Other Autobots/Decepticons from all across the franchise.

Knights of Unicron
Galvatron - An amalgamation of Megatron and a warrior from ages past, named Galvus, combined into Galvatron. Galvatron is crazy due to the conflicting beliefs of Megatron and Galvus.
Cyclonus - Once an ancient honorable warrior, he has been resurrected by Unicron using the body of a dead seeker. By the end, he snaps out of his cold loyalty to Unicron.
Scourge - Another ancient warrior resurrected using a seeker's body as a vessel.
Sideways - Mysterious, cold, silent universe-hopping, all the things one would attribute to Sideways. Has decided to reconstruct the Unicron singularity just because he was bored.

Feel free to give constructive criticism.