I like multi-faceted characters with real lives (like interests, relationships, demands on their time and effort independent of the immediate plotline).
I prefer adult characters to children or teen coming-of-age stories - I'd rather read about characters who are established in their adult lives and identities and have those disrupted. (In my own writing, the youngest MCs I use are 19 or 20, but even then, in their worlds they're considered adults and have adult responsibilities and expectations placed on them.)
Well-thought-out worlds and social structures. Interesting magic systems.
If there are non-human fantasy races (like elves and dwarves), there has to be a really good reason why they're in the story and why they're elves, dwarves, etc. They can't just be there for the sake of having pointy-eared people and short, bearded people.
Stakes that are more personal to the characters than "Who's going to be king?" or "The menacing evil must be stopped." The characters' own lives, dreams, and goals have to be directly involved.
A hefty dose of romance, ideally love against the odds between two wounded people.
Honor and selflessness, making the right choices even when it's the hardest thing to do, are valued. I do not like fantasy where the good guys are chumps and being honorable and selfless is the stupid thing to do.
And a happy ending - well-earned, after all the torture and torment the characters have been through - even if there are still some struggles ahead.
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