It really depends on the show. With LOST, Supernatural, Heroes, the Office, Smallville, and 24, I prefer the characters. Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill, I prefer the couples. The Vampire Diaries is neutral.
So most of the time I like the characters more.

the whole is greater than the sum of its parts =)

Nowadays it's kinda rare for me to really, really like a couple. Mainly because they're all so hyped.

Although some of the characters are interesting, like with my second favorite couple I love how the guy is trying to redeem himself from his past evils, but in general I love his scenes with the girl (or scenes where another character suspects they are in love) better.

It depends but I really think I love couples more.

Definitely !

It really depends on the show. IDK.

characters first, then couples.

For me, it's always character , I love Sheldon and not a Sheldon/Penny fan, I love Peter/Olivia but I like their characters more, In friends I love all 6 friends and only love one couple Ross/Rachel.

It depends on the show, but I usually ship a character before I ship a couple.

Mostly, anyway.

I have to like both characters to like the couple.

Ya like most people said it depends on the show. Some shows I don't even ship any couples and am neutral towards a lot of them... Like 90210.