Why would you not name a character?
Or, in a work that is based on allegory, an unnamed character can be identified by a number, letter, job, or common trait to symbolize a hidden meaning. By using a nameless character, an author can prevent readers from unconsciously attaching the identity of another person, ethnic group, or social background.
What should my character be named?
12 tips on how to name your characters
- Keep the time period of your story and your character’s age in mind.
- Make sure your characters’ names fit their ethnic background.
- Pick a name that fits the character’s personality.
- If you want, pay attention to a name’s meaning.
- Avoid giving several characters similar names.
Are naming characters important?
But it’s important, because naming your character helps your reader build up a picture of who the character is. Novels, films, and TV series often reference the name of the principal character in their title ― think about “Jack Reacher”, “Endeavour”, “Poirot”.
Should I name my character something unusual?
There’s not much point in naming a character something no one will be able to pronounce. It’s fine to choose something uncommon (or even something you made up), so long as it can be sounded out.
What names should not be used in a story?
Similar beginnings : Readers might be confused by a “Cathy” and a “Cynthia,” or a “Richard” and a “Roger” in the same story. Similar endings: Avoid giving your characters names that end the same way, like “Madison” and “Jason,” or worse yet, names that rhyme, like “Shelley” and “Kelly.”
How to pick a name for a fictional character?
The 7 Rules of Picking Names for Fictional Characters. 1 1. Check root meanings. It’s better to call a character Caleb, which means “faithful” or “faithful dog,” than to overkill it by naming him Loyal or 2 2. Get your era right. 3 3. Speak them out loud. 4 4. Manage your crew appropriately. 5 5. Use alliterative initials.
What is a bad name for a villain?
Names that detract from the character’s image: I don’t know about you, but a villain named “Benjamin” or “Timothy” just wouldn’t convince me. The only good reason to name your character something that doesn’t fit is if you’re being deliberately ironic, or if some element of your plot demands it.