Characters, definitely.
If the story is cool, that's great, but I cannot get into it if the characters are utterly unlikeable or they don't get some awesome character development.
Even if it's a "nothing really happens" kinda plot, I will still enjoy it if I like the characters enough. If the plot is super cliche, it can still go much farther than others of its kind if the characters are done well enough.
If the story is cool, that's great, but I cannot get into it if the characters are utterly unlikeable or they don't get some awesome character development.
Even if it's a "nothing really happens" kinda plot, I will still enjoy it if I like the characters enough. If the plot is super cliche, it can still go much farther than others of its kind if the characters are done well enough.
Yes, you have a point. Characters can really change even a cliche story into something enjoyable.