I started out with a completely different character before I changed it to the one I have. He's an oldie (had him around since '06) and I found him more inspiring.
If you have any 'old but good' characters, maybe try re-purposing them for the thread? There are also the adoptable forums on NaNoWriMo to give you a character idea start or backstory/character generators everywhere online. Obviously do not have to use them with exactly what they spit out, but it may help!