crafting-unforgettable-characters

Naming CharactersCreativity ExerciseDon’t settle for obviousnames. Look beyond Anglo-Saxon staples. A characternamed Gradikowski has awhole different set ofpossibilities from onenamed Griffith, even if younever discuss his ethnicity.Be wary of “hero” names,—unless, of course, that’swhat you’re going for.Naming every charactersomething bold andadventurous dilutes thepower of strong names.Names are important. Mention a name, andinstant preconceptions spring to mind.Although our names may not play a role inshaping our personalities, they certainlybecome a reflection of our background, ourethnicity, even our religion. They can evendefine our relationships. So it should come asno surprise that naming a character isprobably the single most important momentin defining his personality and the role he willplay in a story.Names can prove both a tremendousstumbling block and a huge inspiration. For along while, the hero of my forthcomingfantasy Dreamers Come was named ChrisFoster. And for a long while, he refused tocooperate. He shuffled around, mumbledexcuses, and was generally ineffective andcallow. I changed his name to Chris Redston,and—presto chango!—strange and wonderfulthings started happening. Suddenly, I had anaggressive, swashbuckling hero on my hands.And all because of a simple name change.I defy any parent to produce a more batteredand dog-eared collection of name books thanthose I possess. (Unless, of course, you’re aparent and an author.) I’ve spent many anhour thumbing through my collection ofname books, skimming Internet name sites,and even blearing my eyes over the telephonebook. I drive everyone around me crazy withmy demands of “Help me think of a name.” Iread movie credits religiously, and I keep listsupon lists of names that strike my fancy. A20