Well, I like Jack Ryan (an ongoing Tom Clancy character) because he’s very intelligent, crafty, and can morph into any situation.
I like Sacajawea because of her incredible mental strength.
I like Lessa (Dragon Riders of Pern) because she is as brave a warrior as any man,holds her own in a battle, and she has the coolest dragon.
I love Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and Idgie in Fried Green Tomatoes and because they refused to let society cram them into a girl box.
I like any male character who sets a good example of fairness and justice, even if it flies in the face of society.
So I guess the characteristics my literary characters have in common is intelligence, bravery and non-conformity.