As a writer we have to of course name our characters. but how important is the name?
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
I love this scene from Romeo and Juliet and it is probably one of the few lines that I can recite by heart to this day. (I learned this in grade 9…many years ago.) It always struck a chord with me. So when I write I try to make my names match my characters. This can be very subjective since a strong name to me could be Nathan
Hellooo Nathan!
but to you Nathan could bring images of a wimpy character.
Nathan? Really? Hmmm. So you see the dilemma.
When I start writing, I write whatever name comes to mind at the time of writing. I then analyse during editing whether or not to keep the name for various reasons. My current story has three strong male leads.
Jesse – the popular, good looking, high school Jock. Not a jerk but usually sweet and very charming. Loved by all, but a little conceited and not the swiftest.
Justin – the boy next door, smart, funny, best friend of my Heroine, possible love interest with a heart of gold and a strong romantic – love you forever- kind of guy.
Jake – the mostly bad, mostly evil demon who has a tiny bit of good in him. Oh and he is about 100 years old, but looks 18, so an older name would be good.
S o you see the problem. Too many J’s and the reader gets confused.
I am looking for help for any or all names. Hopefully I will get some new ideas to fit my characters. I appreciate any and all feedback. Please leave me a comment on a name for which character.
Thanks a bunch! 🙂
photo courtesy of iwastesomuchtime.com
Cynthia Stacey 