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When my best friend started telling me about the breakout podcast Serial a few months ago, I was skeptical. I’m not a huge fan of podcasts in general.

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What are all of the CSIs and Grey’s Anatomys missing? Cats.

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1. Man attempts to siphon gas from neighbors’ cars. Man decides to take a cigarette break in the middle. Man accidentally catches scene on fire and is also arrested for arson.

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Now try giving your lead character an interesting quirk. For instance, Tony Shalhoub’s character on Monk had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. That is Very Interesting. Perhaps your lead drinks too much, or enjoys raising birds, or enjoys raising birds that drink too much. This will Set Your Character Apart and make him More Real. Should you be unable to think of a quirk, make your lead Handicapped.