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1/15/2019 0 Comments

Tips for Character Names

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I’m sure you’ve read a story where you got confused on who is who. Our job as writers is to minimize that problem as much as possible.

Here are some tips
:



 





First names
should:
  • not be too similar
    • begin with different letters or pairs of letters
    • not all have the same ending sound
    • have a variety of syllable lengths
    • not start and end with similar letters
    • not rhyme
  • be realistic, which means it fits:
    • the time period of the story
    • the ethnicity and cultures of the time period
    • the genre
    • and possibly, the character’s religion
  • be pronounceable
    • or explain the pronunciation early on, e.g. the character having to explain it to someone else
  • fit the character’s personality
 
Surnames need to:
  • do much of the same as above, plus
  • work well with the chosen first name, unless deliberately clashing for a valid reason
 
Where can you find names?
  • baby books and names for babies online
  • surnames lists
  • place names – “While driving through Nashville, I noticed street names that sounded like they should be characters in a novel I was working on.” – Dan Schmidt
  • Social Security Administration – https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  • “Popular Given Names US, 1801-1999” – https://www.galbithink.org/names/us200.htm 
  • the most popular baby names in countries around the world – and what they mean – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/most-popular-names-around-the-world-what-they-mean/
  • online name generators
 
Things to consider:
  • a name’s meaning – “Selecting a name that reflects or symbolizes a character’s role in the story can add subtext to the character.” – Michael Schiff
  • alliterative initials
    • can be memorable, but too many in one story is not a good idea
  • is it a “loaded” name? E.g. Hannibal, Bambi
  • nicknames
  • the ambiguity of using names that fit either gender as they can confuse the reader
 
Of course, any of these tips can be broken for a good reason.
 
What tips would you add about character naming?


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    SM Ford writes inspirational fiction for adults, although teens may find the stories of interest, too. She also loves assisting other writers on their journeys.

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