Why does it seem like everyone sees Ralph as just some character like Johnny Cade or Daniel LaRusso?

I mean, he's Ralph George Macchio! He's NOT a character. I hate that he's only known for being those two characters. I just wish he would be known for who he is inside. Who he is inside is the important, beautiful, sweet, talented, flawless Ralph Macchio. NOT Johnny Cade or Daniel LaRusso.