Problem with a character

ConChron · Mar 21, 2011

MarcMcClure said:
the elf jokingly wants to give him a nickname, and that's just what popped up.

I know you've probably solved it by now but this is what popped out for me. Is it a joke to call someone half-elf? I don't know but it doesn't sound funny to me. Something, you might want to think of as you pick a better nickname.

I also use Google when I come up with new names. I search what I have and Google often offers suggestions, "did you mean ... ?". That way I know if I'm too close to something that's already out there and well known enough for Google to catch it.

WriteMinded · Mar 21, 2011

Trelf.

MarcMcClure · Mar 21, 2011

Well...

The nickname is not supposed to be funny, it's just that the elf is not serious about giving Travis the nickname, though he does it as a way of saying, "Hey, I respect that you're not the stereotypical human, bro :Hug2:

."

As for "bastard," that brings such a negative connotation ... and Travis does not have any elf blood in him, anyway.

Just the same, thanks for the suggestions. I haven't had a chance to work on this one yet, but I'm plowing on and will get back to it, hopefully with something original, with the right balance of "cool" and "cute."

GregS · Mar 22, 2011

So it's a veneration? Then I definitely land on the side of some made-up elf world. You could, for example, say that elves only create half-breeds with humans of particular renown. Those half-breeds then hold a position of honor: not quite full elves, but way better than round-eared mortals. Thus, by labeling Travis an [ELFWORD], the elf is bestowing on him the highest cultural honor he can think to give.

FOTSGreg · Mar 22, 2011

What would Dr. McCoy say?

"you green-blooded son of a (calculator)"

"tree-hugger"

"plant-lover"

"veg" (pronounced vedg as in vegetable))

"you pointy-eared crossbreed"

"half-breed"

"half-bred" (this one could be really insulting under the right circumstances)

Euan H. · Mar 23, 2011

MarcMcClure said:
he does it as a way of saying, "Hey, I respect that you're not the stereotypical human, bro ."

Presumably, the half-elf does something in the story that makes the elf respect him, start to like him, whatever. It might make for a more interesting nickname if you take it from that event, or events. I don't know, maybe something like "Silvertongue" if he charmed a barmaid, or 'Lightfingers' if he lifted the mayor's seal of office while chatting to his secretary, or 'Deadeye' if he's a really crappy shot, or . . . you get the idea. I think it'd be more personal, and more defining for the character.

whistlelock · Mar 28, 2011

you know how "they" always make a deal about almond shaped eyes in works with elves?

the elf guy should give travis the nick name "round eyes" but in elven.

But not tell him what it meant.

And Travis finds out toward the end of the book for some comedy.

Braydie · May 4, 2011

How about something like: "Hims-elf?"

Problem with a character

ConChron

WriteMinded

Derailed

MarcMcClure

Dammit Jim! I'm a doctor, not a ...

GregS

FOTSGreg

Today is your last day.

Euan H.

Unspeakable

whistlelock

Whiskey Rebel

Braydie