Writing characters YOU are excited by

I've read lots of articles, book chapters and general advice about how to write engaging characters. The focus there is for writing characters that engage the audience.

However, I've been struggling to find characters that I engage with to write about.

I'm interested to hear what other writers process is for finding or creating characters that you are passionate about. I've read that you have to fall in love with your own characters, but I simply haven't been able to do that.

I'd love to hear how others do this, what your creative process looks like, and how you then move that into a story.

Thanks so much