I'm of the belief that no character, none what-so-ever, is unique. There's only so many personality types, only so many ways to be good, evil, and neutral. There's only so many backstories. There's only so many ways to be funny, or shy, or smart, or flirty.
My characters are not unique. YOUR characters are not unique.
I can guarantee you I can find a character who at least resembles the one any one is playing right now. In fact, I'm sure I could do it in media that was written over a 100 years ago.
It's all been done before. Its why TVTropes even exists. Never think you're playing unique.
HOWEVER...
It's how you play them that makes them standout. The way they react to situations, talk to people, even what their favorite color is, all of that is super important. You can make your character be amazing and wonderful and memorable by making them interesting. That's how you make them unique.
All characters can be broken down into stereotypes and certain qualities that a lot of other characters have, but playing them as a living breathing individual who can grow and change, that's important.
My characters are starting out as words on a page (Loki: Witty, Flirty, Sarcastic. Armi: Shy, Awkward, Eager) which are complete stereotypes, but they are growing into something else, full beings.
I wouldn't worry so much about being unique, worry about the growth and story of your character.
My characters are not unique. YOUR characters are not unique.
I can guarantee you I can find a character who at least resembles the one any one is playing right now. In fact, I'm sure I could do it in media that was written over a 100 years ago.
It's all been done before. Its why TVTropes even exists. Never think you're playing unique.
HOWEVER...
It's how you play them that makes them standout. The way they react to situations, talk to people, even what their favorite color is, all of that is super important. You can make your character be amazing and wonderful and memorable by making them interesting. That's how you make them unique.
All characters can be broken down into stereotypes and certain qualities that a lot of other characters have, but playing them as a living breathing individual who can grow and change, that's important.
My characters are starting out as words on a page (Loki: Witty, Flirty, Sarcastic. Armi: Shy, Awkward, Eager) which are complete stereotypes, but they are growing into something else, full beings.
I wouldn't worry so much about being unique, worry about the growth and story of your character.