Here is an introduction to the protagonists of the Michael Bay film The Transformers (2007).
Optimus Prime – He has long been featured as the ideal leader – selfless, dedicated, courageous and compassionate. He has been known by Transformers fans the world over as the greatest Autobot leader of all time bar none. His persona in the movie is no different though he may seem to have been depowered in terms of his abilities and powers. In the movie he leads a small band of Autobots vs the ruthless Decepticons who happen to outnumber them. He has the spirit of self-sacrifice. He is always willing to give his life for his fellow Autobots and for the humans. He transforms into a Peterbilt truck.
Bumblebee – He is one of the most popular Autobots of all time. This is not because he is powerful or has superb abilities. It is because of his connection with the humans. He is like ET in a sense because of the strong bond he forms with the humans. He also serves as the transport vehicle for human allies. In the movie, he doesn’t speak much due to the damage he sustained but is a much tougher hombre than the lovable but wimpy character in the cartoons.He transforms into a Chevrolet Camaro.
Jazz - He is the second in command in the movie. He has a hip and cool personality which fits his name. He however dies in the movie as a victim of Megatron’s rampage. His persona in the cartoon and in the movie is nearly identical except for the part of being second in command which belonged to Ultra Magnus. He transforms into a Pontiac Solstice.
Rachet – He is the pacifist in the group and the resident medic. Just as in the cartoons his role here is to patch up any damaged Autobots. He had a bigger role in the cartoons however as he assisted in the construction of several Autobots including the Dinobots. He transforms into a Hummer H2. Ironhide – He is the enforcer of the group who is always looking for a fight. He is often thinking of bashing some Decepticons and is one of the toughest Autobots ever. He is the weapons specialist in the movie and rightfully so as he has the attitude to back it up. He transforms into a GMC TopKick C6500.