Character names, in my opinion, are one of the most difficult challenges of creating characters for a screenplay.

At the moment, I have mixed feelings about naming characters. One: I feel that no matter what you name your character, you can trigger the audience’s memory by branding your character in a way … through action and the actual speaking of your character’s name – more specifically, the repetition of speaking your characters name.

Take Fight Club for example – the two character names you remember most from that movie don’t even belong to the main character … well, kind of.

Tyler Durden – there’s nothing particularly suggestive about this character name. It’s simple, balanced, and all American; so what makes it so memorable?

Repetition & action.

Watch this clip – notice how Tyler’s name is repeated by multiple characters.

Let’s face it: Tyler Durden is a bad-ass. We remember his character because of the action he takes throughout the movie (he does just about everything you wish you could do), but we remember his name because of how many times its said throughout the film.

Think of it this way, try to imagine your friends and family with different names – chances are you’ll find that no other name would really fit the character of your subject. There’s no way Uncle Jack could be an Uncle Tim, right?

Two: I feel that naming your character requires time, research, and meaning. After all, the character name is the single most demanding portion of the story – writers need to create the essence of an entire character using one word.

Because of this, I carry a Latin dictionary in my writing pack – it’s not just for character names, but for naming in general … I just used it today to name a stagecoach of particular importance.

A few names that were obviously well thought out were the names found in Pirates of the Caribbean: Elizabeth Swan, William turner, Jack Sparrow, and Norrington. According to the writer responsible for the names of the characters, he created their names using symbolic birds. Miss Swan, the beautiful and elegant daughter of the Governor; Jack Sparrow, the pirate after freedom.

So what’s it all about? Character mythology, mystery, action, and repetition or careful planning and symbolic meaning.

Perhaps a healthy mixture of the two.

Do the research and create a character name you feel will help personify your character, but don’t depend on the audience to remember your name — no matter how interesting. Create your character through action and remind your audience of your character’s name.

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