For what it's worth, I've had people who definitely know what they're talking about banging on at me for months about how my sitcom characters need more backstory to explain their (admittedly pretty disfunctional) relationship.
It's an absolute headf**k, but it's apparently important, at least in my case. I don't think I'd go so far as to write a CV for them mind.
I take my characters for a drink down my local every so often. I buy us all a drink. Usually there's about six of us on lager/whiskey/wine, etc. We pick a cosy little table by the window in the corner, tell jokes, have a sing-song, a bit of banter - it's great. Got a bit dodgy though a few nights ago, when one of them started a fight with all my other characters and we all spilled out on to the street. The unfair part was that the landlord threatened to bar ME - I was the one trying to break up the fight!
I know what it's like Joseff; one of mine keeps telling me, in a little voice not unlike Vincent Price's, that I'm the next Virgin Mary.
Quote: Marc P @ July 9 2009, 10:30 AM BSTSimply change the crips to Dorritos.
We're not going there again are we?
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ July 9 2009, 8:30 PM BSTFor what it's worth, I've had people who definitely know what they're talking about
Who are these people? 
Personally, I certainly wouldn't presume to tell anyone else how they should write. Giving advice after reading their material is another thing entirely.
Quote: Tim Walker @ July 10 2009, 12:09 AM BSTWho are these people?
Ian La Frenais and a couple of BBC people.
What works for one writer doesn't necessarily work for another. But fair play for being able to ask La Frenais for his advice.
Backstory is as different to a CV as Gordon Brown is to a Chippendale.
Quote: Marc P @ July 10 2009, 11:38 AM BSTBackstory is as different to a CV as Gordon Brown is to a Chippendale.
One is a cabinet and the other works with one.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ July 10 2009, 11:39 AM BSTOne is a cabinet and the other works with one.
One is a shaped bit of wood and the other is a plank.
Quote: Marc P @ July 10 2009, 11:42 AM BSTOne is a shaped bit of wood and the other is a plank.
One has a sock down his pants, the other is a Chippendale.
Quote: Leevil @ July 10 2009, 11:51 AM BSTOne has a sock down his pants, the other is a Chippendale.
And both are massive cocks.