Alright, this is a topic I'd like a little advice on and I think would be fun to discuss. What are the fundamentals to creating a tragic character that isn't cliche? Is that possible when one uses backgrounds including death of family, abuse, and things like that? 

I'm currently brainstorming ideas for a character I'd like to play as, a character with a tragic background. I haven't figured out what yet, but I'd like to do my best to prevent it from being cliche. Without going into too much detail, the basis of my character is that he's always pushing himself to be open and outgoing, though struggles with sadness, hesitation, and self-consciousness on the inside. Of course, that's just an idea now which will likely be altered.

Any advice from all of the writers here on what I should avoid when writing a tragic character and be as original as possible?