Why not merge a couple of characters together?

Pick out two characters you think are cool and are sort of related and mix them together to create the NPC.

Example: Drytz (exuse spelling, the two-scimitar wielding death machine from Forgotten realms) and Tanis half-Elven from Dragonlance. Together they make Drytz the 1/2 Dark Elf. Not good enough? Let's say instead of the two scimitars he wields the Black Swords - Frostbourne & Stormbringer. And maybe instead of having the whole tortured soul over which woman he loves, his soul is tortured as he struggles with the control the blades have over him.

This is just an example, your ones could be much better.