Nosy Neighbors and Other Stock Characters

One popular stock character in books and film is the nosy neighbor.

Have you had a nosy neighbor before? They collect a hodgepodge of random and fairly useless information about their neighbors. If you've had plumbing problems, dirty carpets, or electrical problems, they're sure to spot the van in your driveway and make a note of it. Have family over to visit? They'll know that too--or at least that you have someone over and they'll speculate who they are until they finally break down and a...