Question for Writers

[romantico]

I'm attempting to write a screenplay. This may sound odd, but I'm having trouble finding convincing names for characters. I've tried the phone book and even credits from movies for help. Where do you find the best names for a character?

[MorningGlow]

1. I've been known to use the phone book

But only to a limited extent. Most of the time the characters "tell me" their names (sooner or later). Sometimes I know the name first and nothing about the character. But if I'm writing without a definite name, I've used initials or a temporary name as a placeholder till the character's true name comes out. Sometimes it takes a bit of meditating or writing in the alpha brainwave state (the "creative" brainwave pattern when you're into the story and it just sort of flows) before the real names show up.

[quadriga]

2. Other books

From the authors name on the cover. I take the first name of one writer, then find another random book and find the last name, usually from the cover, but often from the notes.

[raccoon]

3. Get a baby naming book. nt

[SteppingRazor]

4. I'm a big believer in creating your own names in fictional works.

The name of the character can serve SO many uses other than just, you know, being the character's name. Names can serve to foreshadow, define character, and so much more!

Basically, what I'm saying is, if you can't come up with a name, refer to that person as Character X throughout the work (or whatever other temporary name you want). Then, after you're done, read through everything the character does, and then try to come up with a name.

[youthere]

5. Name one of your characters Guiseppe. There just aren't enough

Guiseppe's in movies today.

[romantico]

6. Thanks!

Thanks for the tips! Some very helpful advice!