The word "Moe" carries a lot o meaning in different context. However, the stereotypical understanding of "moe" or a "moe" character in Anime and manga, is that they are young , small and cute, as exemplified by Kanna from Kobayashi's Dragon maid ( image ).
This stem from the fact that due to the youthful nature of
the word moe itself , which mean to burn or to sprout, it is often
linked to youthful characteristics, or a sense of innocent. Going more in-dept and closer to a more definitive definition of moe, it is the ability of said character to instil a desire to adore, protect, hug, kiss, and or squeeze them etc... in this case it is done through the cuteness of having a child-like youthful appearance/ manners. In one the interviews in the Moe manifesto , it was given an example as similar to a feeling of an older brother wanting to protect his little sister. Moe also doesn't limit to young character but older character as well, as long as the youthful appearance/personality is preserved
Moe following the old conservative ideas of Japanese society usually is associated with innocence, shyness, humility, submission and helplessness. However as Western influence grows in Japan, newer forms of moe also include more upbeat, quirky, energetic and extroverted personalities that are more unique and noticeable, with examples like Harumi Suzumiya from the "melancholy of Harumi Suzumiya" or Konata from Lucky star.
Speaking of Lucky star it is an excellent example of range of moe variations, as well as of an anime that builds itself on its moe characters.
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