Am I wrong in feeling that giving your characters extremely odd names is useless unless you are writing hardcore fantasy or science fiction? Why or why not?
by 
Tygerlilie
ANSWERS: 8
-
It makes them memorable. But it does work better in those genres you mentioned.
-
I don't think so. If the story takes place on Earth, past, present, or future, I see no need to use bizarre names. I would, however, allow for linguistic evolution when writing science fiction, and use names that sound like they may have evolved from more common ones. An example might be to use Steen instead of Stephen. It could also work because Steen is a Danish first name. In pure fantasy I believe that the names should reflect the culture of the characters. That requires back story and in-depth character development, but it can be worth it. A culture based on the worship of nature might name their children accordingly. You have license when creating the names because you can say that the name comes from the "old language." For example "Tzavartha, which in the old tongue means dew kissed blade (of grass)."
-
Atticus Finch, Huckleberry Finn, Oliver Twist and Willy Wonka might disagree with you!
-
You are mostly right but also a bit wrong. There are several other areas where 'weird' names would be appropriate. And even in fiction set in our everyday world an unusual name can occasionally be appropriate. Remember Westlakes "Help, I am being held prisoner" where the entire plot originate with the unusual surname of the main character ? But mostly such names will distract the reader away from the story you want to tell, and instead focus them on the irrelevant detail of the character particular names. regards JakobA
-
No, definately not. It really detactches your character if you use names like Gargloff or Teetle or...um...or Ponyboy, for a great example. Unless, of course, you have a purpose; If you're writing about a girl named Saluah who is having trouble juggling her family's culture and history with normal western life, it kind of defeats the purpose to name her Sam or Hannah, you know? Not to mention halting the story and slowing down your readers as they try to pronounce "Xeixleira." :P
-
I would agree with you to a point. Since my goal is to make the story believable, there could be a time when it is appropriate to have a character named that which might be considered to be odd, or different from the norm. But, I would need a good reason, it would need to probably be part of the story as to why that person would have been saddled with an outlandish moniker!
-
If you're writing ironical fantasy, that's ok!
-
I think you're right. When you're trying to write a realistic story with characters who could be real with possible situations, ordinary names seem more suitable.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC