Character Development
By Linda OrlandoLesson 3: Character Development: What's in a Name?
Your character's name is your reader's first introduction to him or her. The perfect name gives the reader information on time period, ethnic origin, occupation, and physical characteristics. After completing this lesson, you will have the information you need to find the perfect name for your character. For character naming ideas, refer to The Writer's Digest Sourcebook Building Believable Characters. This book includes a section devoted entirely to names of different ethnic origin.
Does the Name Fit Your Character?
Your character's name is the first introduction the reader usually has to him or her. The name should identify your character, should create an image in the reader's mind. There should be no confusion as to the character's sex. The name should be appropriate to your story's time period and locale. For example, your readers probably wouldn't expect to find an "Amber" or "Kyra" in Victorian England or Colonial America, or "Rachel" or "Sarah" waitressing in a southern diner. Stereotypes, whether accurate or not, tend to be widely held in society. Take this into consideration when naming your characters.
Some questions to ask yourself about your character's name are: Does the name you have selected tell the reader anything about the character's background or personality? Does the name you have chosen for your hero or heroine present a positive, attractive image? Does your character's name have an ethnic connotation? The name and ethnic origin wouldn't connect, if your Latino female character's name was "Inga" or "Gretchen". Neither would your character seem believable or "in-character" is your Swedish ski instructor was named "Bertha" or "Harvey".
Where can you find the perfect name for your character?
You can find the perfect name for your character in the same place expectant parents find the perfect name for their new baby: a book of baby names. These books have thousands of names, along with the meaning of each. Exercise the same care that parents use when naming their baby. Think about how the first and last names sound together.
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