Character Names

Character names mean things.  I only recently realized just how important that was, even if I’d been unconsciously doing that as I write for years.  Most of my characters have names that I perceive to be ordinary and sympathetic – Michael Faulkner, Seth Gendrickson, Dean Turlman.  These names are kind of generic and allow the reader to put almost whoever they want into them.

However, there are times when the name evokes more meaning.  Christian Gettis from WrongfulDeath was obviously an allusion to God and the afterlife.  As I’ve started writing my sci-fi/fantasy mashup, my characters’ names are meant to give insight into who the character is.  For example, Wilhelm Hoyt IV, Regent of the Braalmin Imperial Realm of Unos Murcan, is meant to sound haughty and above it all.  Grand Magus Vishestar is meant to be mysterious enough for the reader to know he’s powerful magically.  Sultan Brimiri Gildesh is supposed to evoke visions of a grand ruler of an unfamiliar realm.  As soon as the reader sees the name, there should be a mental image of the person and their basic function.

Think about this in other work.  Dumbledore is a pleasant sounding but complicated enough name for readers to know that this friendly wizard is more than he appears.  Grand Admiral Thrawn is regal enough to know he is in charge.  And none of this is by accident.

As a writer, you have to spend time on your names.  Names can draw in readers or turn them off(if the name doesn’t match the character…would you buy a badass punk rock warrior named Steve?)  Dwell on it, brainstorm it.  And if necessary, change them as the story progresses to better match.  It will make for more enjoyment for the reader and an easier time for you to write.