My take on this:

What characters one wishes to read about is dependent on personality, temperament, upbringing, culture. religious beliefs, and other factors, including most obviously personal preference. I don't mind reading about Oedipus or Romeo and Juliet as they are compelling characters. A lot of my favourite novels, plays, films, TV series etc also revolve around unlikeable but fascinating protagonists: Moby Dick, Macbeth, Raging Bull, Breaking Bad, for instance.

Obviously I also enjoy stories that contain characters with whom I identify, but I think it is possible to engage with well-written narratives featuring odious protagonists. :)