I want your opinions about which is the best tool for character animation.
I believe Blender is the best free animation software, but that is my opinion.
Feel free to discuss about animation tools, and please do not go off topic 
Blender’s the best free 3d graphics tool out available. It even gives professional 3d packages a considerable run for their money. But I don’t use it…the interface…
2.5 has a nice interface. and i agree that it could give some pro software their run for their money.
I have maya, 3dsmax, and blender.
I never open maya or 3dsmax unless I’m using it to export something to a format blender can use. ;p
Is there even any other animation software on par with Blender that is free?
Not that I really need anything. Blender is just so immensely powerful and versatile.