More than titles, or what comes next in the plot, what most authors agonize over is choosing the perfect names for their characters. A name is so much more than a rose that smells sweet (my apologies to Shakespeare.) Each name helps us create a personality, a past, flaws and foibles, and even a time period.
We all have our share of baby name books, lists of most popular names for any given year, astrological charts, and assorted psychological profiles we've accumulated to create those characters that will resonate with our readers.
I have another method. I use...(what else?)...a book.
THE SECRET UNIVERSE OF NAMES by Roy Feinson is a treasure trove of information on personalities, based on the syllables on any given name. The descriptions include what each personality would be like as a child, as an adult, in love, in career, and as a parent. There's also a famous person linked to each set of syllables who embodies the aspects described.
For example, in my current WIP, my hero's name is Wyatt, or as the book calls him "The Laughing WT." He's warm, multi-talented and driven, but also impatient, stubborn, and judgmental. He's a born leader, with unlimited potential, particularly in creative fields. As a mate, he's loyal, with a wicked sense of humor, and a down-to-earth parent dedicated to his children's well-being. The famous WT? Walt Disney! Makes sense, doesn't it?
My heroine is Leah, "The Demonstrative LH," nurturing and understanding, but apprehensive around strangers and a homebody at heart. She's feminine and loves to cuddle. Considering my Leah runs the local animal shelter, I think I've made the right choice.
Whether you're a writer, a parent-to-be, or someone just fascinated with the science behind names and personalities, this is a great book to add to your collection.
Hi Gina--
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about choosing the right name for a character. This indeed takes time. And thank you for introducing this book to me. It sounds quite helpful.
Victoria--
Trust me, this book is a goldmine. I often buy copies as gifts for writer friends around the holidays.
DeleteNames are so important in characterization I always stress about that particular point. Sometimes it takes me days to name a hero or heroine; sometimes it just hits like a bolt of lightning. Going to look up the book. Should help
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many times I've been fifty pages in and realized one of my characters has the wrong name! Thank God for "Find and Replace."
DeleteGina, I agree that coming up with the right name for a character is important and difficult. I, too, use books and the internet to make sure my names are what I really want. Sometimes, though, a name just pops in my head and it's the right one!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how that happens. Sometimes the name comes first, sometimes the character just goes by XXX until the right name hits me.
DeleteA name really does say a lot about a person, eh? I tend to turn to the phone book when I'm choosing a name - if the character hasn't told me what to call them. :) nice blog post.
ReplyDeleteI use movie credits. The gaffer's last name and the best boy's first name. LOL!
DeleteGina, you've nailed it. A character's name is often the first thing we learn about him/her - the all-important first impression. Another telling thing can be what a character does with his/her name. Sometimes they hide behind a nickname.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Those nicknames can tell a lot about characters.
DeleteI agree with Sophie. I've often turned to the phone book when I'm searching for a name. And in my very first pubbed book, the editor must have disagreed with my choice for my hero's name because she changed it! : )
ReplyDeleteMovie credits, spam emails, Facebook. You'd be amazed at where you can find the right name.
DeleteI've always used relatives, friends and neighbors--obviously combining different first and last names so no one gets offended. I like your idea of using names with meanings. I imagine it also helps with filling out their character too.
ReplyDelete