There are many hard things about creating a story. The characters. The world they live in. But, I think one of the hardest for me is naming the hero and heroine. When I write a draft, I usually just slap names to the characters.
But, I find not using a permanent name really hurts the story. How can I imagine what the hero is going to say next when I've tagged him as Abe Vigoda? (Those of you who grew up in the era of Barney Miller and Fish will know what I'm talking about.)
Instead of the sweet talking 28-year-old he's supposed to be, my character becomes a grumbling 75-year-old.
So, I have to name my characters in advance. The problem here is I really like to think about the names. To me, it's like naming your own child. It can be a long process.
Any thoughts on how to shorten it and still be happy w/ the name?
Abbi :-)
Same problem here, Abbi. It will be interesting to read the answers you'll get! I've read in craft books that you have to interview your characters....maybe then the characters can introduce themselves!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing is, Nas, my next post was going to be about interviewing your characters. I like to have a name before I start.
ReplyDeleteAbbi :-)
For the most part all my characters tell me their names up front - some just pop into my mind, others are a bit shy and have to be introduced by another character. But in the midst (ten chapters in) of my current WIP I've realised that I don't like my heroine's name so I'm intending on changing it but for the moment (while the story is rolling along) I've continued to use the old name but it feels like clunky.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there are any short cuts if you like your characters to have a name before you start - perhaps the interview is the way to go for you.
Thanks, Elissa. Glad to know I'm not the only one who needs to have the name feel right for the character.
ReplyDeleteAbbi :-)
Hi Abbi!
ReplyDeleteI need to name my characters and have an idea of what they look like before I start writing. Googling to make sure you're not using an actual person's name is the most difficult part. It's hard to come up with a realistic sounding name that doesn't belong to anyone!
HI Abbi, I also need to have a name and physical description before I even start the book. I use baby name books and a really great website I found on the internet that gives you common last names and a whole directory of first names. I play it like a game because it's like naming one of my children!
ReplyDelete