I like a good story, but I usually don't care. I also don't care about acting as some important character or "chosen one".
One of the things I look for in an MMORPG is to roam a huge continent, world, worlds, and depending on what kind of game we're talking about, galaxies or an entire universe.
Roaming the game universe, going on my own adventures, slaying monsters or other players, maybe doing some casual things if the game has it, maybe getting a home and customizing it (but I haven't found a player housing system yet in a game that makes me care alot), make friends or even make/join a guild, make a name for myself or even make/become a legend (though it's unlikely), and so on.
Just roaming and living and doing things in a (hopefully) massive and beautiful virtual world. Though, I don't seem to find many very impressive worlds most in MMORPGs I've seen and tried. I've seen some nice ones, most are fairly bland, but only a select few has made me feel amazed and greatly pleased by the massiveness and great looks of everything. I like that because it greatly adds to the experience.
Anyways, back on the topic, if I wanted to play as a Hero/Villain or Chosen One that either I created or a pre-made character with a back story and everything, I'd go pick up a single-player Adventure game or some Western or Japanese RPG.
Does anyone feels this way also, or do you actually care about the story alot?
Also, can someone suggest to me some MMORPGs with impressive and beautiful worlds? Not that the looks of the world is all that matters. Looks don't matter if the game itself sucks.