This chapter is devoted to a specific little thing that can make all the difference

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Sequence Items/Characters

Do you have a boring sequence character/item? Or worse, not have one at all? 

A sequence character is a character that just waits for their moment to arrive. They are very useful in moving a story along. This is an example of a sequence item.

Ex: Some kids are chasing a bugular. They run onto a dock. On the dock there are these items: a bucket, a fishing rod, a box of bait and a net. The SIs (sequence items) are the bait box and the net. Try to figure out why. Answer below.

The kids chase the robber on to the end of the dock so he can't escape. The robber tries to tackle the younger one but the older one shoves bait down his shirt. Using the distraction as an advantage the younger kid uses the net to trap the robber then runs and calls the police. 

You saw how the net and bait came into use. If they had not been there the story would not have progressed much. You can probably figure out other ways to use the other items as well. My friend thought of using the bucket as something the kid put on the robber's head. That is how you use a sequence item. Sequence characters, however, are very different. A sequence item just has to be there. A sequence character can't be boring. Here is an example of two short stories before and after when the sequence character (SC)  is boring. An interesting SC has either some; humor, irony, or insight, and that's just what immidiatley came to mind.

Before;

Policeman: "Police! I need your car!"

SC: "Ok"

Policeman: "Get in doggie!"

SC: " You can drive. I love dogs."

P: "Ok."

(criminal manages to drive away)

SC: "Sorry sir."

After; 

Policeman: "Police! I need your car!"

SC: "But my mother sa-"

P: "Once we catch that murderer you will be paid enough for a new car, just move over!

SC: "Well it's ok I gue-"

P: "MOVE OVER ALREADY!" (SC moves) " Get in the car dog." (he was talking to his police dog even though you probably got that, just making sure)

SC: "Eww! Your dog is slobbering all over my groceries!" 

P: "Ahhhgh! we lost them!"

SC: "What am I going to tell my mom now!?"

Did you see the difference between the scenes? I really hope you do:) But really, there is a major difference between Before and After. Even if you don't like Before better you have to admit, After has much more personality. Also, you should know that I did not write this play or the next one, I simply edited scenes from movies and books to be examples so I don't have to go on and on trying to explain while terribly failing. Look below for another short. The point of the second short is that sometimes you can have SC's and SI's in the same story.

  Clark liked being a cabby. Except when he had to drive psychopaths high functioning sociopaths (Sherlock joke :) like these around. The couple were radiant, but they were no angels. He turned a corner and the couple got to their hotel. He was so relived to see them leave he didn't even mind when the lady made him carry his bags to the door. He stayed inside for a few seconds to make sure they were gone for good. A fleeting thought crossed his mind. Did he leave the keys in the ignition? Probably not, he thought, but better safe than sorry. He sighed and went outside. It took him a few seconds to comprehend what had happened. He stared agape at the spot where his cab was a few minutes ago. He finally came to when he saw something green on the ground. A wad of money.

The SC's were the couple in the cab and the cabbie himself. They were never mentioned again in that story. In the next chapter you find out that it was the main characters who took the car (And paid, mind you) The sequence item was the cab itself. It just waited for the main characters to pick it up. The way this particular sequence character was made interesting was by getting some insight on his life. (Even if it wasn't very interesting.)