I've spent all week searching the right name for her. She is an evil other-worldly creature and her name must be unique, yet pronounceable. I also want to make sure it's not associated with anyone else, real or imagined. I usually love naming my characters and take great care in coming up with just the right one. It not only has to fit, but must enhance their personality. I think of name choice something like a costume designer choosing the right look for film characters.
But this character is not letting me off easy. She's going to be trouble.
But this character is not letting me off easy. She's going to be trouble.
After hours of noodling, I settled on two likely possibilites, then did a Google check. Name #1, Helvetia, turned out to be an obscure, creepy looking spider which worked well for my villain. However, it also turned out that Helvetia is the name of an ancient romanticized personification of Switzerland. After that it just didn't feel right anymore to dress my character in this name; plus it was too close to sounding like a typeface.
So, I moved on to the next name, an obscure slightly altered German word. I liked it for its edginess. It was appropriate for the character and I thought should quickly settle for Name #2 and get back to character and plot development.
In my haste, I almost skipped my usual research which would have turned out to be a disaster. A quick Google search of Name #2 presented me with a page of porn site links, complete with Google's graphic image feature.
Eeek! I am writing a children's book, not an X-rated adult romance. Imagine the embarrassment of having to explain to innocent young readers, or their parents (who might happen to look it up) why I chose [blank] name.
If I want to be even more thorough than a perfunctory Google search, I often check out the Urban Dictionary which fills me in on the down and dirty particulars of every word that gets genetically altered in the streets. I was definitely right not to choose Name #2. Kids not only know these words! They define them!
Do your characters ever give you fits like this?
I am glad you strayed away from Helvetia, which is indeed the name of the personification of Switzerland (not at all an evil place); Helvetia is like our Lady Liberty or Uncle Sam.
ReplyDeleteWhat other personality traits does your malefactor exhibit besides evilness and other-worldliness?
What an adventurous way to find perfect names for your characters!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
I am glad you googled the name and found that it was not suitable. I create few character names at random, will check and see if they mean something or are just my words creations. Thanks for the warning, Rahma. I would hate it if the names in my books mean bad things.
ReplyDeleteThe protagonist is the only one who sees the antagonist who lurks on the border between his and her parallel worlds. True to her nature, she is not cooperative in letting me see her. I often have to wait for the right moment when she appears out of the shadows.
ReplyDeleteI like the article Rahma.. It's true that it's hard to find the things that fit..
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sytiva
Haha, love the picture. I always struggle with titles and names. I usually end up resorting to the various baby name sites for the MCs. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lindsay. I think I've finally settled on a name, but it's not anything you'll find in anybody's dictionary. And it's still easy to pronounce!
ReplyDeleteWell what is it? The name? Are you going to tell us? smiles
ReplyDeletesytiva
Rahma, thank you for stopping by my blog and sharing the link. I love the description of Guardian Cats; I can't wait for it to be a book!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love the cat picture above, I think it would be a great painting in my 30 cats in 30 days series, could you put in contact with the photographer? thanks! Mary
I know what you mean about your antagonist giving you fits! My current one, Liz, likes to tap me on the head and say things like, "This doesn't make sense; if I was suppose to be doing this, then how come I'm here?" I will say that it does sometimes help make a better storyline, but sometimes I think she does it just to tease me.
ReplyDeleteMary: Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I wish I knew the photographer, but I've lost the link. If I come across it, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteMarly: It sounds like you are having a great conversation with your antagonist. Probably the more contentious it is, the better the story will be. Good luck with your book!
It is kind of fun creating imaginary friends, isn't it? By the way, you are a month behind on your blog posting. I know; you have to get through your weekend, and probably recover from that, but then you have to do something kitty-ish.
ReplyDeleteMarly: I am now current on my blog posting. :)
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