How many characters in Sonic Chronicles are there

The playable characters are: Sonic the Hedgehog
Miles "Tails" Prower
Amy Rose
Rouge the Bat
Knuckles the Echidna
Shadow the Hedgehog
Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik
Big the Cat
Cream the Rabbit
Shade the Echidna
E-123 Omega

Some can only be unlocked by doing certain missions, and not all remain in the party throughout the game.

There are also numerous NPCs and minor characters that are not playable involved within the story.