Five Tips for Naming Your Characters in Fiction

Naming your characters when writing fiction can be both fun and frustrating. Some names come to you right away, even before you have any idea about the actual plot of your book. Others are peskier, more elusive. Here are five tips for naming your characters in fiction.

Tip 1. Select a name that reflects your character's personality. Occasionally, the names of my characters change mid-way through the writing of my novels. Why? Because the character isn't who I thought he was when I first set out to write. Think of your favorite actor. I'll settle on Jack Nicholson. Now picture him, walking the red carpet in his sunglasses and tux. Got a good image of him? Good. Now, what if I told you that man's name was actually Horace Wheatley? Don't worry, it's not. But you get the gist, I'm sure. The name should reflect the personality of your character. It doesn't always do so in real life, but it certainly should in fiction.

Tip 2. The name of your character should roll nicely off the tongue. The names you choose should sound harmonious. Vary the syllables. Take more time developing the names of your main characters, which will be mentioned far more often than your secondary characters. Consider the names of some of your favorite fictional characters. As an example, I'll note Paul Madriani, the courageous criminal defense lawyer from Steve Martini's legal thriller series. The name rolls nicely off the tongue, doesn't it? Phillip Marlowe. Sam Spade. No only do they sound like hard-boiled private eyes, their names sound harmonious when said aloud.

Tip 3. Make certain your character's name is appropriate for his heritage and trade. Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade, mentioned above, are good examples of the latter. Of course, if you were to open The Maltese Falcon and learn on the first page that Sam Spade is Japanese, you might become confused. He's not, of course, he's an American. But if he were Japanese, the name Sam Spade simply wouldn't fit. Likewise, if the character were not a hard-boiled private eye, but rather a former senator and a candidate for President of the United States, the name Sam Spade simply wouldn't do.