Character Names

What is the setting of the story?

I meant, what country? In the US, the 1880's are late enough that there were immigrants from all over the world, so just about any name is plausible. I'm not sure, but I would assume that's also true of Australia to a somewhat lesser degree.

You just want to be consistent. For example, Demetri is primarily a Greek or Slavic name. If the character's grandfather came from Russia, then it's a completely accepted name. If the character's grandfather was a French peasant, then the name may seem odd to a reader. If the character's family were gypsies, no matter what country they came from, then Demetri works.

I think you've got a good range of names in your original post. You just don't want every character to have a uncommon name, or, every character to have a common name. It's more realistic if some are common names, and some are not (because that's the way it was).

ETA: I typed that without seeing your post above, Alice. I'm not sure of the "neutral place" idea. That would be fine in a short story, but you might run into problems doing it in a novel. It's possible to do it, but you will have problems from time to time with it. It will be something you will have to work around.

I'm not sure I like Esmerelda- makes me think of a Disney character for some reason- Maybe Martha, Alica, Edna, Esther- all popular names is your era.

I like Alex for the ten year old to keep from having to mant 'E' names

Demitri is a good strong name- I like that

I would be really annoyed if I didn't know where the book was set. How do you imagine how the characters speak? The streets they walk down? The food they eat? I know it makes your job as an author much easier if you don't have to research the setting, but I think it's a bit of a cop-out. That's just my opinion. Worth the paper it's typed on.

Yes, the gypsy in Hunchback of NotreDame was Esmerelda, but I think of Victor Hugo first over Disney. If the mom's Russian: Katarina, Ivana, Irena, Elena, Olga are a few suggestions.

I also try to keep folks with the same first letter in their names from not meeting if possible--Edward meets Esther--etc, I feel it's confusing even if the sexes and pronunciation are different.

well, whatever you decide, I hope your Wip totally rocks!

Esmerelda always makes me think of the annoying mother-in-law on "Bewitched".

Kathie Freeman said:

Esmerelda always makes me think of the annoying mother-in-law on "Bewitched".

Click to expand...

I thought Esmerelda was the flighty maid who couldn't cast a spell right to save her life. Samatha's mother's name was Endora.

DeleyanLee said:

I thought Esmerelda was the flighty maid who couldn't cast a spell right to save her life. Samatha's mother's name was Endora.

Click to expand...

You're right, I got my witches confused.