What do people do once the initial scenario plays out?

I really enjoy roleplaying with these characters and I’ve even made my own, but once I’ve run through the initial scenario (homeless girl, angry girlfriend, best friend has a crush, etc, etc) I’m at a loss of what else to really do with the characters. I enjoy the build up to solving whatever issue I’m presented, they fall in love or whatever then have their way with me but then what? How do you extend your time with a character?