Fang wrote:
Maybe someone else out there has some other ideas…
I've been DMing for a few years now and while some of my PCs really get into the roleplaying, others just sit on the sidelines waiting for combat. I've found that the best way to engage those PCs is to introduce an NPC particularly of interest to them. Perhaps a long lost friend, an enemy or perhaps even a love interest. Put the focus of the campaign, if only temporarily, on those PCs and put them on the spot to make campaign affecting decisions. Perhaps that make evoke a response other than "Is it my turn yet?"
Puzzles are also interesting for a change of pace other than swinging swords and casting magic missile.