How do you come up with character names? Do you keep lists of great names? Do you change names mid-story?
For me, the right character name can make or break that character. What are some of your most favorite character names that you've used?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Character Names
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Yeah, I pretty much suck at names. I usually don't change them in the middle of a work, but I do change the spelling. Thank God for Find, eh?
ReplyDeleteTeri
I can't write a word without the charactes naming themselves first. They are sneaky rascals that way!
ReplyDeleteMy lastest names: Gerard (as in Butler - 'nuff said) and Emma (Austen fan). Generally though, I love the archangel names for men and classic names for women.
ReplyDeleteI usually need to come up with a name before I can get a good start.
ReplyDeleteThe character name is an important component of the character himself (or herself) and I need that up front.
Beauregard makes be think of an entirely different kind of person than say...Elmer, Wayne or Bixby.
Hmm Beauregard. I may use that in something. :):)
Hey thanks.
L
I'm with Jax. I can't write a word without knowing the character's name. And it can't change after I get going. That'd be like changing my kids' names.
ReplyDeleteI usually just throw in a name at first, like James and Amy. Funny how those two names just sort of stuck for my current WIP. James is a 250 year old protector and Amy is desperately trying to be normal even though she isn't. So I sometimes think I suck at names but sometimes it just works for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't change names for the MCs. Sometimes I'll change a secondary character's and then end up having to go back and fix where I forgot to change the names. Some names just come to me, others I sit and ponder over before putting them on paper. Sometimes I use foreign words with some significant meaning as a character's last name. Once I wrapped a character's name up in the storyline. In my third book, the MCs name is... Mary Jones. It just had to be, because it fits the story so well.
ReplyDeleteMy characters tend to show up with their names, either intact, or with a big old clue. They rarely change in any significant way once I start writing.
ReplyDeleteI keep a list of great names, and scroll through till one jumps out at me.
ReplyDelete