Combination Contest and Nostalgia

Beneath this cut is a document, a list of names, if you will. Whoever can find out the specific purpose of this list will win a drabble from me of their choice, with the exception being the people who know what's on this list.

( Here is a list of characters )

Now answer these questions:
1) Who originated this list?
2) What is the exact thing that all these characters have in common.

Note that if you are the person who originated this list, or you went to high school with this person, you are disqualified, as this will be way too easy.

Something about my trip and the kitty scratches later.

Over and out.