One thing that I have been trying to focus on is situational mannerisms. Physical reactions that we have to specific situations. I tend to suck my breath in loudly when I am surprised – a trait that my family finds entertaining. My husband does not suck in his breath when surprised.
While there are common reactions to surprise, fear, excitement, etc . . . it is unlikely that you would have two people in your story that have identical reactions to everything. (Unless their similarity is the unique aspect.)
For example:
Nervousness - Some bite their nails, pace, sweat, or prattle incessantly.
Anger - Some turn red, others white; shout, go silent; stare, can't make eye contact.
When you know what your character's reaction is, you can tell your readers how the character feels through the reaction and give them a familiarity with the individual at the same time.
Samuel dug the toe of his shoe into the dirt, looking down as heat flushed across his face.
Yes, individuality can be difficult to achieve and duplicating hard to avoid. I sometimes take notes. In Dungeons & Dragons, characters have a character sheet - it works for writing too.
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