Character Development

Lesson 3: Character Development: What's in a Name?

Character Naming Tips

TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE

Do not name your characters with names starting with the same letter or sound. For example, naming your three male characters Donald, David and Dannie would only confuse your readers. The characters' names should make them stand out, define them as individuals for your readers. Likewise, Sally, Susie, and Sandy are not good choices for your three female characters.

Rhyming names are also not a good idea. Think about Rick and Vic, Ted and Fred, Kyle and Lyle, or Sammy and Tammy. These names, and others like them, could easily confuse your readers, making it difficult to remember who did what.

Do not name your characters with names ending in "s". It is very awkward to use the plural of "Chris" or "James". I have also found it somewhat awkward to use the plural of names ending in "s-e", i.e, Jesse's, Casey's, Susie's.

If you are having a hard time visualizing your character, try clipping photos from a magazine or catalog. Use these photos as skeletons for your characters.

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