How do we decide “what’s in a name?” The name can either make or break your story. This evening I helped out with a book signing for a notable children’s author from “a town sort of like your own.” Obert Skye is the creator of ‘Leven Thumps‘, who is the main character in Skye’s popular fantasy-like book series.
Obert has a personality that will completely liven the mood and his humor is one in a million. He is uniquely sincere with each and every individual.
As we were talking in-between fans and the curious, passer-by customer, we had a short conversation about “choosing the right name” for your character. He has a good story behind his character background, which I believe shows a great deal of imagination and confidence in what he writes.
Personally, I find it hard to name a character. Sometimes I want to research the meaning of the name and sometimes the name will just pop in my head and suddenly I have a strange understanding of its mere importance. A name describes the character inside and out and I don’t want to take the chance of “picking” the wrong one.
I look back and evaluate a character I have created. There is Mary. She is plain. She is quirky and pretty, but still plain. I love her name and I visually see it fitting to the character. I have created a world in which Mary lives and she just doesn’t quite fit in. I guess I could say that she is so simple that she stands out.
What if I would have chose “Caitlin” or even “Ezmarelda”. Mary would have been a completely different person with a whole new outlook. There is no way Ezmarelda could live the boring life that Mary leads. It would have been a completely different casting, a different style. She would have called for fireworks and cake fights!
A name creates not only the character but the entire environment they live in. It gives the audience or the reader a better understanding of the characters surroundings and background.
Mary. Just Mary. It’s simple, short and sweet. Just like her. :)
Mary. Just Mary. It’s simple, short and sweet. Just like her. :)
Now ‘Leven Thumps’ on the other hand comes from a different side of the spectrum. The name is magical and mysterious. It is obviously not a name you hear every day. It stands out, allowing the reader to create an image of their choice. It will, most likely, look nothing like a Bob or a Kevin. It will look like Leven.
I can picture him perfectly as I sit here and type. Weird-looking, elfish, somewhat secretive. Unlike Bob, who might be a bit overweight and unmotivated, Leven is skinny like flat bread. He doesn’t mind though, because his magical powers are what swoon the girls. And his little sycophant, Clover, of course. I bet he has his own unique charm. :)
