Most important part of a story?

[Violanthe]

You bring up an interesting issue with pace. We often say we like a fast-paced read, but is a slow pace ever better?

 

[StillILearn]

Ideas or concept for me. What the book is about. Or maybe the characters or character. It could be the plot. Another thought-provoking question, Violanthe.

 

[henrietta]

I typically want good characterization, but an interesting plot will suck me in as long as the character work isn't awful.

 

[Violanthe]

How closely connected are character and plot. Which books have you read that have excellent plots but not good characters and vice versa?