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Character names & usage
Asked by Lee Anne Womack on June 11, 2020
My novel is set in a time & place where most people would refer to each other by their titles & last names. However, my main character is more likely to call people by their given names, especially if she knows them well. Can I vacillate between having her think of them by their given names & others calling them by last names? This would allow the characters' personalities to be reflected in their dialogue.
Would this type of name-usage prevent my novel being published?
Jerry's Answer
No, it sounds logical, Lee Anne. If at any point it appears confusing, a character can say, "Why do you feel free to refer to her so informally?" And she can say, "She doesn't mind. We go way back. In fact, she uses a nickname for me..."