Michael Kateregga:
The character is the center of any great anime, at least as far as I am concerned.
This is one of several elements that separate anime from the plethora of western cartoons out there. The world of western animations is filled with ageless, immortal characters rising to challenge day after day of endless obstacles with never changing faces.
Cartoons do have some good stories. Just like anime about 90% of cartoons is now crap.