Surnames
I have a real problem coming up with surnames for my characters. A lot of them don't have one yet because I haven't needed to mention it. I do enjoy finding just the right name for a character - first, middle, surname and nicknames - but it's just so hard with surnames because of the added importance on matching cultural/heritage, and the ( Read more... )
"I wanted something that fit in a British, specifically a Birmingham setting, that sounded kind of everyday/regular but not 'top ten baby names for Britain' regular and that didn't sound too old or too young." - see this is good because it brings in that hertiage angle but also relates to how a parent would look at it when naming their own child.
"I'm in no way relying on the name to tell the readers the character's personality." - Which is what I can't stand :P But you know that hehe "My characters name means 'fiery' because he has red hair" *headdesk*
That naming explanation for Eliot was assume by the way and exactly how a character should be named :3
"I do beleive how people react to their names and what nick-names they lean towards and which ones they do not like (Ellie in Eliot's case) do reflect their personality." - Very true, but those are "chosen" things which is why they can reflect that way.
Its alright to be a perfectionist with anything, just so long as you do it the "right way" :P hehe And I put that in quotes because its a very contentious thing to say but I trust you know what I mean.
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I agree about the *headdesk* :P I hate to admit I originally called Pheonix that because he had bright red hair, or I gave him red hair because his name was Pheonix. I can't remember. This was before you lent your excellent tutelage to my characterization skills though, and I have since decided not to give him red hair or not to make a big deal over it so it doesn't look like I was trying to make him resemble a Phoenix because of his name.
Speaking of your tutelage, I am really feeling like fleshing out James and trying to get him a little less like a carbon copy of Arthur Dent from the Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy in both looks and personality and I know you're quite busy so I was wondering whether you know of any internet communities on which I could find someone who specializes in character bio beta'ing that's not necessarily restricted to a fandom? I just like to have someone I can discuss stuff with and sound ideas off in this process, and some different perspectives on things (especially if I could find a British perspective).
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GOOD ones where people aren't just Mary Sue callers xP
its something we should really look into isn't it? hehe
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We should set up a site just for character beta'ing and before people register as a beta they have to read your essay on the litmus test and swear they understand what a Mary Sue actually is.
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