2023 OSCARS: Living (2022) - What To Do If Your Character is SUPPOSED to Be Boring

[Quick Summary: In 1950s England, a dedicated government worker with a grim medical prognosis struggles how to spend his remaining time.]

I am terrified of boring the reader with my characters.

But what if the character is SUPPOSED to be boring? Then what?

In this script, Williams is a widower and government worker who leads a numb life. His days are the same, pushing paper around all day. 

What did the writer do in this script? He used supporting characters well.

First, the writer made Williams' boring-ness interesting to the others. 

ex.  The script opens with fellow co-workers on a morning commute watching the train platform for Williams, who always stands at the right spot to greet them daily.

Second, even when things start to change for Williams, the writer did not stop the story for Williams' problem.  Life kept on going.  This is good flow.

This grounds the story and also gives the reader something to measure Williams' arc to.

The scene below is the first seed of change.  Note:
- Williams has sent Peter (the newest employee) on a fruitless errand.
- Williams never leaves work early, so his announcement is shocking.
- Notice that other people have agendas (see italics below).
- Williams does not think his appointment will change him. He will be back to carry on, as evidenced by him putting the folder in the stack.

INT. COUNTY HALL NORTH BLOCK - OUTER OFFICE - DAY

Peter, demoralised, now alone, clutching folder, walks past the rows of desks toward the door to the Public Works Department.  [Peter really cares about the ladies that he could not help in the previous scene.  Everyone but him knows it was a fools' errand.]

Sing comes INTO SHOT, opens door for him.

INT. OFFICE - TABLE - CONTINUOUS ACTION

Peter arrives at the table, folder in hand. He hovers, unsure.

Margaret points to the folder, points at Williams - still head down, working.

Peter goes over, stands beside Williams. [Williams pays no attention to those around him.]

Eventually Williams lays down his pen, looks up.

WILLIAMS (ignoring Peter): Forgive me everyone. Unfortunately I shall be obligated to leave early this afternoon. At twenty past three.

An unprecedented occurrence. Surprise around the table.

WILLIAMS (CONT'D): Perhaps Mr. Middleton. You'd be so good as to deputise in my absence.

MIDDLETON: Of course, Mr. Williams. I'll see everything stays ship shape.  [Middleton is happy to be promoted.]

Hart is annoyed by this.  [Hart wanted that promotion.]

It's unclear if Williams intends to say something else.

An awkward silence. Then Williams notices Peter standing beside him with the folder.

WILLIAMS: Mr. Wakeling. What may I do for you?

PETER: The ladies' petition, sir. Um. Mr. Harvey at Cleansing insists this is for us after all.

Williams takes the folder from Peter, thrusts it midway into one of his two towers.

WILLIAMS: Mr. Harvey is quite wrong. But we can keep it here. No harm.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Use supporting characters' reactions, which can help compare/contrast with the protagonist's boring-ness as well as when change occurs.

Living (2022)
by Kazuo Ishiguro
Based on the original screenplay "IKIRU" by Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto and Hideo Oguni