Characters are the most important. The story could be the greatest ever but if you don't like or worry about the character it's not worth reading. Of course that being said Great characters needs a great story to want to read. Brokenwing, Vile8r, TheYellowKnight, SoftGameHunter, Jessica_33, Rachel_Thornton are great examples of both working in harmony!
That's some author's list, CHG ;-)
Damn in my haste i forgot one name
Geminiguy
Someone pointed out that i left another name off the list. Please accept my apologies
DAWNAMBER