Shang and Ariel are pretty opposite, I think. I love Shang's dedication to others/his country, how genuine he is (he never pretends to be something he's not, never puts on a facade, etc. He's unabashadely, unforgivingly himself and he doesn't care what other people think-- this is a strong trait I look for because I don't like liars/ fake men/ disingenuous men) and his protectiveness. Similarly, I like Eric's dedication to Ariel/the girl with the voice, his geniality, and his protectiveness- he's very physically caring, like he picks Ariel up and physically protects her. I've never been protected in my life and I look for it in guys. Guys who take care of me.

As for Ariel, sure, I love her dedication, but her dedication is to her dream. And her passions and exhuberance and flaws, and rebelliousness- this is a big difference (not a fan of Flynn or Aladdin).

So yeah, I'd say pretty different.

Kind, selfless, smart and brave. If not those things, whether male or female, I see no reason to like them.

I don't think I look for anything in particular... Just a good character who interests me and whose actions are understandable and/or admirable.

seeing how both Mulan and Shang have simliar personaliys lets see
Selfless willing to risk their lives for their Family and Country
Determined When things get tough neither of them give up they keep fighting
Awkward/slightly Awkward lets see when they first meet Mulan is pretty much awkward and Shang is the composed one by the end of the movie it's switched Shang is the one being Awkward and Mulan being confident
they work as a team they both take turns fighting Shan Yu