The first thing I thought was, "please let me like Bilbo". Which I think I did. The next thought was, "please let me like the dwarves". The results to that were mixed. It ultimately comes down to whether or not I'm going to be able to set aside my attachment to the LOTR characters. If I can, I'm not worried.
I'll add that I've never more instantly liked a character in a movie than I did those of Merry and Pippen.
I always thought a fun character writing exercise would be, ala "Name That Tune", trying to make an audience like/care about a character in as few lines of dialogue, actions, scenes as possible. For example, Jack Sparrow standing on top of a mast looking cool and in control. Cut to him jumping down from said mast and looking worried, as we realize he's actually in a sinking dinghy. Those two actions were all I needed to like him.
*I know nothing about sailing so I apologize if ships don't have "masts", or come in dinghy form. I'm also disappointed that I didn't get to use the word "nigh" in that explanation. I'll add fifteen minutes to my self-flagellation session.