What’s in a name?

[HaremStarter]

So I’ve decided to allow the reader to be able to adjust the names in my story for the first time. I was wondering what people do when given the choice.

 

[Thorn_]

Hmm. I typically forget that’s an option since most writers have preset names. Will sound harsh, but if they stick to something as lame as John or Jane(no offense to all the Johns and Janes), I like being able to change it since something about the blandness of it actually can end up rebuffing me a little

 

[HaremStarter]

Hmm. I typically forget that’s an option since most writers have preset names. Will sound harsh, but if they stick to something as lame as John or Jane(no offense to all the Johns and Janes), I like being able to change it since something about the blandness of it actually can end up rebuffing me a little

I agree. If it says Aleister Price I might leave it. If it’s John Doe I’m definitely going to change it.

 

[insertnamehere]

Agreed - if the 'defaults' are John/Jane Doe, then it becomes off-putting. Otherwise, I only change them if they resemble people I know, as I find that way too weird. It's especially an issue if the story has weak characterisation, because then I can't help but picture that person, to the exclusion of any other imaginary figure. Please people, make your characters more than just the sum of their... sexual organs.