  Character groups of Hopf algebras appear in a variety of mathematical and
physical contexts. To name just a few, they arise in non-commutative geometry,
renormalisation of quantum field theory, and numerical analysis. In the present
article we review recent results on the structure of character groups of Hopf
algebras as infinite-dimensional (pro-)Lie groups. It turns out that under mild
assumptions on the Hopf algebra or the target algebra the character groups
possess strong structural properties. Moreover, these properties are of
interest in applications of these groups outside of Lie theory. We emphasise
this point in the context of two main examples: The Butcher group from
numerical analysis and character groups which arise from the Connes--Kreimer
theory of renormalisation of quantum field theories.
