All of us have wanted to make animations at some point of our life,
but due to lack of knowledge or tools (correct programs) we aren't able to....
.....i was the same earlier.
......i used to think of ways to animate & found a pretty cool one . yeah it needs some tools but they are basic tools that are there on any average computer............so let's get started

Step 1: Tools & What's Needed

First let's check that you have all the things needed

( in the further steps i assume that you know basics of these )

(1) Adobe Photoshop (optional you can use paint for simple graphics)
(2) Microsoft Office Powerpoint (MUST HAVE 2007 or higher )
(3) Windows Movie Maker (Comes with Windows XP , Only needed if you want a video)
(4) Creative brain ,don't steal other's ideas !
If u don't wan't to make your own graphics just get sprites & edit them :)

Step 2: Let's Get Started

first make your character in parts (see image 1)

YOU MAY USE PHOTOSHOP, OR PAINT DEPENDS ON YOU

TIP ; IF USING PHOTOSHOP APPLY STROKE AND BEVEL EFFECTS LIKE I DID , LOOK'S COOL

note : WE DON'T NEED TWO LEGS\HANDS FOR WE'LL GET THEM COPIED IN THE NEXT STEP

I'M USING ONLY ONE CHARACTER FOR THIS INSTRUCTABLE SO I NEED ONLY ONE

Step 3: Now Split.....

if u use paint then skip this step or use photoshop or such tool to do the followig

once you got your character ready
then copy each part in a new file and making the unwanted part transparent
then save them as a compuserve(.gif) file using file >> saveas
be sure to select the primaries option (see pic)
once done proceed

Step 4: Start Your Animation

OK LET's START,
run powerpoint.....then delete the stuff on the slide already persent (unless u r really going to make a title that nobody will be able to see) then follow the following steps according to the last step u did

< used paint >
change the slide background to the background of your image (generally white)
select all the parts one by one & copy paste them on the slide
assemble them to make your character & don't forget to copy 4 times the pant & the arm & hand 2 times

< used photoshop >
on the insert tab go to picture & add all the parts one by one
then assemble them to make your character & don't forget to copy 4 times the pant & the arm & hand 2 times in power point

you should get something like this : (pic)

if not then try using send to back when you right click an image

Step 5: Almost There!!

follow the instructions to make your animation get it's life (before being made :P)
go to animations tab in powerpoint
uncheck on mouse click on the right side
and check the automatically after box
in the box near it type 00:00.12
this will make the siide only appear for 0.12 seconds
then hit apply to all , to apply this to all the slides

Step 6: Making the Next Frame

on the left there's a pane with a preview of your current slide ,
right click & drag it down & release the key then press copy

your new frame is added

then change the pose slightly & repeat this step until you have at least 36 frames

then select the first frame (slide) & press the fullscreen slideshow to see your animation.... :P

if you are pleased with it why not make a video & share with friends!!!!!

go next step for that or save it here .........:P

Step 7: MAKE a Video(part I)

in powerpoint press f12 (opens save as box)

then
browse to your location where you want to save the frames

change save as type to (jpeg) (you may need to scroll down )

click save

click every slide
see pics

Step 8: MAKE a Video(part II)

once you saved it close powerpoint & open moviemaker
then
click tools>> options
in the window that pops go to advanced tab
change picture duration to 0.125 seconds
(this is to add the life in your video :D)

Step 9: Import the Frames

import the frames as normal pictures
& put them on timeline in the order slide0-slide1-slide2-slide3.........
then add some music
& save as a movie file
go
file >> save as movie file
(as you normally do )
done
now even you can animate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feel free to comment or ask any thing
i'll upload a video of my work & plz send me a link of your work too
i'll be waiting :-)