[Opinions] Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?
I think it can be fine, and can be really interesting in terms of leaving clues about who the characters are. But I think it's important to not act as though a name like Zahir ad-Din Maroc is interchangeable with a name like John Smith, or whatever. Give your readers some credit for recognizing that this is not a "typical" name, if it's not typical for the setting or period. I hate when writers use very cool, edgy, unexpected names for their characters just because they can, but then don't explain it or even mention it in any way. It takes me out of the story completely and all I become aware of is the overexcited author and how pleased they are with their own cleverness.Sometimes, the setting or genre offers a built-in explanation: like the sci Fi "The Expanse" and its unique mix of cultural names - easily understood as being a result of generations of different nationalities working together and inter-marrying. That's fine, and makes sense. But if you're going to craft an obviously highly unique name and put it in a setting that usually doesn't feature that sort of thing, there should be a reason for it. Otherwise it comes across as childishly cringey.
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Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  hebeCotogna  ·  9/25/2023, 1:48 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  Fiammetta  ·  9/26/2023, 9:03 AM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  hebeCotogna  ·  9/26/2023, 10:43 AM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  New_Chloë  ·  9/25/2023, 3:25 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  hebeCotogna  ·  9/25/2023, 4:50 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  RoxStar  ·  9/25/2023, 3:01 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  hebeCotogna  ·  9/25/2023, 4:31 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  Dracotorix  ·  9/25/2023, 2:34 PM
Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?  ·  Canielle  ·  9/25/2023, 2:25 PM