Let Your Characters Tell the Story - Learn How To Write A Novel

​

'My Writing is Bad': Silence your Inner Critic | Now Novel

​

Picking character names:​

Choosing the right names for your characters can be a crucial part of storytelling.

Here are seven rules to help you pick the best names for your fictional characters:

1. Check root meanings: Ensure the name’s meaning aligns with your character’s traits. For example, Caleb means “faithful,” which could suit a loyal character.

2. Get your era right: Choose names that fit the time period of your story. A name like Myrtle might be appropriate for a character in the 1930s.

3. Speak them out loud: Make sure the names sound good when spoken. This is especially important if your book might become an audiobook.

4. Manage your crew appropriately: Use different initials and syllable counts to distinguish characters, making it easier for readers to remember them.

5. Use alliterative initials: Names like Bilbo Baggins or Severus Snape are memorable because of their alliteration.

6. Think it through: Avoid overly common names for main characters, and be mindful of how names might be perceived.

7. Check them again: Double-check your names to ensure they fit well with your story and characters.

​