Four Fabulous Ways to Create Stand-Out Character Names

NaNo Prep is always better with an incredible writing community around you. Luckily, the NaNoWriMo forums are just the place to find assistance or inspiration from other participants from around the world. Inspired by our Appellation Station forum thread, we asked Melissa Rose, NaNoWriMo participant, to talk about coming up with the perfect character name:

You know those moments that make your readers jump up and down cheering for your protagonist? Or shout obscenities against your antagonist? Well, believe it or not, your characters’ names can enhance your readers’ emotions! Before you scurry off to your favorite baby name website, here are four tips to help you catapult a character’s name to the next level in your story.

Don’t make cookie-cutter characters.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a character’s name to be perfect, but remember, having a name contrast with your character’s personality might shake things up a bit. A disconnect between your character’s name and how they act can help develop those interesting character flaws - and who doesn’t love a flawed character?  Real-life people don’t always turn out the way you’d hoped, and it’s wise to remind readers of that truth. Invite a sense of reality verses expectation. Creating that reality in your story also reminds readers that it’s okay to be themselves. Go against the grain! However…

Go easy on the creativity.

Even when you’re trying to make sure a character’s name isn’t too predictable, remember that your readers will want to be able to get to know your character. It’s true, we writers enjoy finding unique names, but what most readers enjoy is a relatable name… or at least one they can pronounce! And while you want to ‘wow’ your readers with that epic, memorable, oh-so-stylish name, you may want to take caution. Remember, if it’s your protagonist that you’re naming, your reader will have to say this name in their heads many times until the end of your story. Let’s not distract them along their journey.

Reserve the honor.

We all get that wonderful urge to name a character after our favorite person in the world. It’s your story, so why not throw in the name of someone who deserves the honor, right? Before you do, just remember to use care when choosing whom to include - and ask for permission! Not everyone likes to be the honoree, but if they do, this will cut your decision time in half.

Don’t take names too seriously.

Discovering names with great meaning is no doubt important, but if you find yourself consumed in deciding on the perfect name, a good old game of ‘Eeny Meeny Miny Moe’ may be in order. Don’t forget you still have a story to write. Trust your gut and go with it. Someone is bound to love the name you’ve chosen, trust me.

Melissa L. Rose is a YA Fiction writer born in Maryland, USA. She is an active member of the SCBWI writers’ organization and the Inked Voices critique group. When she is not writing, she can be found counseling troubled youth, spending hours reading in bookstores, and taking care of her free-spirited pup. She has always been passionate about writing for the young and the young at heart. You can connect with Melissa on Twitter @MelissaRWrites.

Photo by flickr user Rex Roof.