Introduction:

The Ethics and Risks of Using Real Names for Characters

Writers often navigate a complex ethical landscape when deciding whether to use real names for their fictional characters. The decision to use a name that closely resembles someone's real name can raise legal and personal concerns. This article explores the common practice of authors naming their characters after people they know, analyzing the risks and benefits involved.

The Risks of Using Real Names

Legal Risks: Using too closely related names can lead to legal disputes. An author could face lawsuits or allegations of defamation if a real person believes their depiction in the work has caused them harm. For instance, if a character's actions in the story negatively impact the real person's reputation, the person could pursue legal action against the author.

Personal Risks: This practice can also erode personal relationships. If a real person feels negatively depicted, it can cause significant tension or strain in their personal and professional relationships. For example, Karl Marlantes, a renowned author of war novels, faced unexpected consequences when he named some of his characters after friends.

Exceptions and Circumstances

There are, however, instances where the use of real names is more common or acceptable:

Celebrity Presence: Authors sometimes use the names of famous individuals or celebrities in their work. This is more likely to be acceptable due to the public nature of the subjects' lives. For instance, Woody Allen has used the name 'Scoop' Avery, which closely resembles a famous reporter, without major legal or personal repercussions.

Beneficial Use of Real Names

Character Development: Authors may use real names to provide a sense of authenticity or a nod to the real world. This can help readers relate to the characters more easily. One such example is Karl Marlantes. In his novel Matterhorn, he named some of his characters after friends, which adds a personal touch to the narrative. Marlantes writes in the acknowledgments, 'Many of the novel’s characters are named after friends which explains why some of the above names may look familiar.' This practice helps to ground the story in real experiences and emotions, making the characters more relatable and memorable.

Commonality and Safety: Using a name that is quite common, such as 'David,' can also minimize risks. Names like 'David' are so commonplace that it is less likely to cause confusion or legal issues. Marvel and DC Comics, for example, use common names like 'Robbie Robertson' for supporting characters in their comic books, ensuring that there’s minimal risk of confusion with real individuals.

Conclusion

While authors should be cautious about using real names for their characters, there can be valid reasons to do so. From providing a sense of authenticity to referencing real-world experiences, using real names can enhance the narrative. However, authors must be aware of the legal and personal risks involved and take necessary precautions to protect both themselves and their readers.

References:

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes Legal Risks in Literature: Cases and Analysis Personal Accounts of Authorship and Character Development

Keywords:

author character naming, real-life names in literature, character development