As I said in another MySpace group (Proud Snape Supporters!), I think Snape is the tragic hero. The various people - from wizards to House-elves, from adults to children - who died helping Harry and the good side had people who loved and cared for them, but poor Snape did not. That is the saddest part of the whole thing. He did not have to redeem himself because there was no need: he was a good person all along. His death was cruel, pointless, and unfair.

I am terribly sad about his death, but I don't think it was pointless for him to die...
I think it was perfect! Makes me want to puke with sadness... ha.. but... him dying is a good way to end his tale.