In answering this, I feel the need for a bit of qualification. I love a lot of stories on many levels, for many reasons, and the standards can vary a lot depending on my mood. These, however, are my three vital components for stories that I would rate highest on my list of favourites.
Most obviously, interesting characters. Not lovable, occasionally barely likeable, but always someone/thing that compels me not to throw the book across the room.
Second, an appropriate storytelling style. The vehicle of storytelling should enhance the story. I’ve had perfectly good narratives ruined by the writing style, and I’ve had higher tolerance for boring stories because they were told well.
Finally, the appropriate ending. I hate endings that don’t make sense, happy or otherwise. When the story doesn’t flow to its appropriate conclusion, books get thrown and I resent the entire reading experience, no matter how much I enjoyed the rest of the book. I would much prefer a book that leaves a lot of the denouement up to me than a book that putters around getting to the sappy end. I want an ending that gives me as a reader a bit of credit. I’ve read enough to feel entitled to that.
Yes, but what happened to the pirates?
What pirates?
*innocent whistling*
Ah yes… very important… giving the reader some credit for owning at least half a brain. I hate being treated like an idiot. Even when I act like one. Especially then.
[...] Three vital components to a good story are… [...]
What I really hate is when every. single. thing. is. explained. Because clearly I, the reader, have no part in this narrative.
Characters that I can have enough interest in to be interested in knowing what happens to them, characters that act in character rather than going all weird in order to accommodate a plot-twist, characters that the author actually cares about – all these I need.