Turn That Clown Upside Down

Writers' Wednesday!!!

There are many ways to prevent characters reading flat and predictable.  A quick fix is to give them more than one function from the start.

The love interest or femme fatale can serve as the comic relief.  The expository characters (both know-it-alls and newbies) can be saboteurs.

And just because one character typically runs point as your go-to girl/guy, that doesn't mean you can't trade duties a few times.  Let another character steal their thunder.  Their reaction could be interesting.

Try it out.  I'm sure you'll see your story improve along with your characters.