Elements

I identify and enjoy the elements of the characters the most. I identify with them, I get to know them, I learn to love them. To me the characters are the most important. I suppose this translates to my real life, seeing as I find people's character and ideas, the most important thing about them. Which seems a little obvious but I suppose some people think differently. So in conclusion yes, the most important I think are the characters, and I believe they are the most crucial to a story.