What do you like? Options

[nome]

Since I'm happily without plot, I've been thinking a lot about what I might write for nano. I can come up with a lot of generally good plots off the top of my head, but most of them are rather formulaic, without anything particularily special (plot-wise, that is. I've read plenty of cliche-plotted books with such tremendous characterication or somesuch that I love them anyway). I'd like to get some input.

What sort of books, stories, etc. do you like but don't see often? Any plot elements you think are essential? Prefer male or female protaganists? Like a lot of characters, or juse a few main ones?