Writing A Bestseller – A Character By Any Other Name

If you’ve ever met someone with a name that didn’t quite fit them, you know how easily a name can bring about a certain image. That’s exactly what you want your character’s names to do!
That’s also why choosing the name should be the LAST part of your character development. To begin with, you can give them a “working name” to identify them from each other. Don’t spend too much time with this.
You’ll find the perfect name later on. At that point, changing the names in your text is as easy as using the search and replace function in your word processor. Here are some ideas for coming up with great names for your characters.
Make The Names Memorable. For fictional characters, finding the perfect name can make all the difference. Imagine Scarlett O’Hara with a first name like Betty. Betty is a perfectly acceptable name. But, it doesn’t have the impact, identification of character, or memorability of Scarlett.
Even without knowing the story of “Gone With The Wind”, you can easily envision the type of character she will be. You know that “Scarlett” will be a vibrant and powerful character. So, what steps can you take to ensure that the names you choose fit your characters?
Choose names that were popular at the time of your character’s birth. If you have a 38-year-old character and you give her a name that is popular today, it will not ring true to your readers.
Once you have determined the age of your character, research baby names that were popular at the time of your character’s birth. It is also important that the name is appropriate to the character’s ethnicity.
Researching the meaning of names is another great way to find one that will fit your character. Using the name Faith as an example, consider how it would fit your main character, or alternatively, your villain.
If you had a villain with a cheerful disposition and a name like Faith, how would it affect your reader’s perception? In this instance, I’m referring to a story where the villain isn’t identified until the end of the story.
YOUR CHARACTERS’ NAMES IDENTIFY THEM. Use it to your advantage.
Exotic names should be used selectively. If you’re character is a stripper, she will most likely have an exotic name. The majority of them do not use their given names. This will also work if you’re writing a romance or fantasy novel. In most other types of stories, these names would sound unrealistic and out of place.
Nicknames can show endearment between characters. Many couples use nicknames, or even silly made up names, when they are alone. Further on this, it is unusual for parents to use their child’s full given name. If your character has an adult child, consider having them use the same nickname they used when their son or daughter was a child.
Is this a source of amusement? Embarrassment? Annoyance? You decide. This can add depth and realism to your story.
Avoid names associated with celebrities or well know media characters. Names like Oprah are extremely unique and associated with a particular person. Using such a name will take your readers out of your story and invoke an image of that particular person.
The same goes for popular fictional characters such as the previously mentioned Scarlett. If you choose to use such a name, make it part of the story. Perhaps they were named after that person or character.
When your characters are completely fleshed out, coming up with names that identify them perfectly becomes much easier.