By Teresa Inge
Writers are often asked how do
we come up with character names?
Since I never settle on using
normal names, I always look for inspiration from various people, places, and different
naming conventions.
An example of this is, one
evening while flipping through childhood photos I realized many of them involved
the street I grew up on. Dexter Street. My siblings and I rode bikes, played
kickball, walked to school and drove our first cars on Dexter Street. I also
kissed a boy and smoked cigarettes on that street. I encountered many changes.
In my short story, Fishing for Murder, I choose the name
Dexter McKane for my protagonist. Dexter
is a thirty-year vet on the Virginia Beach police force who chases criminals on
the streets. He is also in a mid-life change. The name worked.
Names should reveal something
unique and memorable about the character so readers know where they come from
and where they are going. I love combining
names such as Donna and Veronica to create Donica. Or Jack and Max to create Jax. I don’t like names I can’t
pronounce. This takes me completely out of the story since I’m trying to figure
out how to say the darn name!
Overused names can irritate
readers as well. Many writers love
to name their hero Alex. Try being more creative so readers can connect with your
protagonist’s name instead of the many other books they’ve read about Alex.
Years ago I wrote a story titled the Christmas
Cactus. The main character was a drunk named Mac who didn’t take time to enjoy
his life or family. After his wife
left him, he realized just how beautiful the blooming cactus was she had given
him. A poignant reminder to her beauty and their life together. For the longest time I could not find a
name for the wife. Then one day I was driving home from work and heard the song
“Annie,” by John Denver. The
lyrics began,
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
Annie was perfect for Mac.
Since names are an important
part of one’s identity have fun naming your characters. Take the time to see
what fits with the story, location and character.
