Characters, what makes them loveable

Over here at the Mad Genius Club, Writers Division, we've been talking about what makes characters memorable.

I like odd ball characters who have to battle incredible odds like Lois Mcmaster Bujold's Miles Vorkosigan. Why? His body might be damaged and weak but his spirit is indomitable.

I like Joe Abercrombie's torturer in The Blade Itself. Just when you begin to feel empathy for him, Joe reveals something even more horrible about him. Yet he is a fascinating character.

If I find myself thinking about characters after I finish the book, then they have come to life for me.

What characters come to life for you?