12 Strategies to Write Character Names that Don’t Suck

Summary

In this video, the importance of character names in fiction is explored through various creative techniques. From using memorable one-word names like Adele and Eleven, to matching names with a character's traits (e.g., Draco Malfoy and Luna Lovegood), the script highlights how names can reflect personality, provide humor, and add depth to a story. The video also suggests inventive methods like name repetition, alliteration, and even anagrams. With examples from literature and film, it demonstrates how the right name can make a character unforgettable, offering writers insightful strategies for naming their creations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Names in fiction are just as important as those in real life; they shape perceptions and can add depth to characters.
• 😀 Single-word names, such as 'Adele' or 'Pink', are memorable and can create lasting impressions.
• 😀 Character names can reflect their personality, like Draco Malfoy (nefarious) or Luna Lovegood (sweet and quirky).
• 😀 Repeated names, like Major Major Major Major in 'Catch-22' or Humbert Humbert in 'Lolita', can add humor or emphasize traits.
• 😀 Giving a character your own name or initials can add a meta-fictional dimension and make the connection between writer and character clearer.
• 😀 Anagrams of significant words can be a creative way to reveal a character's qualities, like 'narcissistic' to 'casassus triny'.
• 😀 Adding a prefix or suffix to a name can make it more interesting and add complexity, such as 'Lieutenant John Fox' or 'Dr. John Fox'.
• 😀 Alliteration in character names (e.g., 'Wonder Woman', 'Green Goblin') can make them more memorable and impactful.
• 😀 Long names with multiple parts, such as Dumbledore's full name, can be used to create a sense of grandeur or uniqueness.
• 😀 Reversing a character's first and last name can make them stand out and create a memorable impression, as seen with Ferguson Glenn.
• 😀 Hyphenated names can symbolize important aspects of a character, such as divided identities, relationships, or social class.

Q & A

Why are names important in both real life and fiction?

Names are important because they carry significance and can shape how characters are perceived. In fiction, a well-chosen name can reflect a character's personality, role, or destiny, while in real life, a name can influence how a person is treated or how they feel about themselves.

How does the movie 'Meet the Fockers' use humor in its character naming?

In 'Meet the Fockers,' the character Ben Stiller plays is named Gaylord Focker. The name is humorous because the word 'gay' in his first name and the slightly awkward last name 'Focker' creates a comedic effect, reflecting the character's awkwardness and the absurd situations he faces.

What is the benefit of using a single-word name for characters?

A single-word name can be memorable and impactful, making a character stand out. Musicians like Adele, Drake, and Usher use this technique, and writers in fiction have adopted it too, such as with characters like Eleven in 'Stranger Things' and Four in 'Divergent.'

How do names like 'Draco Malfoy' and 'Voldemort' from Harry Potter reflect their characters?

'Draco Malfoy' is an evil-sounding name, with 'Draco' meaning dragon (a symbol of danger) and 'Mal' meaning bad. 'Voldemort' combines 'mort' (death) with 'vold,' which sounds like mold, suggesting decay and evil. These names reinforce the characters' villainous traits.

What is the significance of the name 'Major Major Major Major' in 'Catch-22'?

The name 'Major Major Major Major' is a comedic element in 'Catch-22,' serving as a running gag. The absurdity of a character having the same first, middle, and last name highlights the absurdity of the military bureaucracy and the absurdity of life itself.

How does using an anagram in naming a character work creatively?

Using an anagram allows writers to subtly convey a character's traits through the rearranged letters of a word that represents them. For example, 'narcissistic' could become 'casassus triny.' It adds depth and cleverness to a name while giving the writer an opportunity to explain its meaning in an engaging way.

What role do prefixes and suffixes play in character naming?

Adding prefixes or suffixes to a name can make it more distinctive or reflect the character's status or role. For instance, using 'Lieutenant John Fox' or 'Doctor John Fox' gives additional context and may highlight different aspects of the character’s identity.

What does alliteration in names, like 'Wonder Woman' or 'Green Goblin,' achieve?

Alliteration makes names catchier and easier to remember. It can also give characters a rhythmic or iconic quality, enhancing their memorability and reinforcing their characteristics or powers. Characters like 'Willie Wonka' or 'Green Goblin' are instantly recognizable because of the alliterative quality.

Why is the use of long or complex names sometimes effective in fiction?

Long or complex names can create a sense of grandeur, mystery, or fantasy. They can emphasize the character's importance or role in the story, as seen in names like 'Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.' However, they are often shortened for practicality.

What is the impact of reversing a character's first and last name, like 'Ferguson Glenn'?

Reversing a character's first and last name, as seen with 'Ferguson Glenn,' can make the name more memorable and highlight a unique or unexpected aspect of the character. This technique adds a touch of intrigue and can help the character stand out.