How Do Authors Write Iconic Characters? (Part: 1)

 Happy, almost weekend y'all!

This week were diving into a question I'm sure everyone has asked themselves. 

So take a seat, and enjoy!

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Thousands of people around the world are connected by the singular fact that they would know what characters I'm referring to, with just their last names: Potter. Everdeen. Swan. Carter. Jackson. Bennet. Shirley. Sorrengail. Conklin.

These characters, with (mostly) ordinary surnames are embedded in pop-culture and the childhoods of many generations.

Which bring us to the question I've long harbored:

"How do Authors write iconic characters?"

To answer this I've divided my thoughts and research into 5 topics, 3 of which we will discuss in  the next part:

1. Names

2. Suspension of belief

3. Originality vs. Authenticity, 

4. Creating stakes

5. Patience

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What's In A Name?

A protagonist's name is a lot like a first handshake with the reader. 

Just like a handshake, it can be hard to get a characters name just right.

You, as the Author, have to strike a balance between a fitting name, and an overly aggressive symbolic one. 

All while determining if it pairs well with their love interest and doesn't become a tongue twister when their titles are added in front of it.

Tips for choosing strong names:

1. Say it out loud — If it feels awkward to say three times fast, your reader will trip over it too.

2. Check for unintended meanings — Look up translations or slang in other languages so your character’s name doesn’t accidentally mean “mildew” somewhere.

3. Consider the genre — A dystopian hero named Margaret Thompson might feel flat; a contemporary rom-com lead named Xyrrthyl Moonfire will probably feel out of place.

4. Vary first-letter sounds — Avoid giving multiple main characters names starting with the same letter unless there’s a plot reason (it’s easy to confuse Clara, Claire, and Cleo).

5. Match tone to character arc — If your protagonist starts mild but grows fierce, you can subtly foreshadow it with a name that has sharper sounds or strong associations.

6. Baby name websites are a good starting place because most give wide overviews of a names popularity, historical figures who share it, common demographics and more.

A good name can do a lot:

• Signal personality (Harper feels different from Hermione).

• Hint at heritage or time period (Elizabeth Bennet vs. Starr Carter).

• Plant subconscious expectations (Sirius Black already feels mysterious before you learn he can turn into a dog).

Think about it:

If I say Atticus Finch, Voldemort, or Katniss Everdeen, you instantly picture their world, their vibe, and even their values. You might not remember every plot detail, but that name? It’s cemented.

Then again a bad name can do even worse:

"General Killgrove" as the name of a murderous tyrant will make you lose credit among readers.

(And even if you have a solid plot, beautiful prose, and interesting world, readers wont be able to appreciate it.)

While a name like "Scarlett Obsidian Nyx" for a chosen one archetype, will likely make readers feel isolated from a character and stunt the emotional connection I discuss in the next segment.

Ultimately, a name is a promise. It tells the reader, This is the kind of person you’re about to meet. And if you keep that promise through their actions, voice, and choices, the name will linger long after the book is closed.

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Reading is believing... sometimes. 

Something I've learned is that it's less important to have a "believable" character than having a character who is fleshed out enough for readers to "believe in."

In case I lost anyone there, let me explain. 

Most Fantasy/Dystopian/Sci-fi protagonist aren't believable, aka realistic. 

But people keep coming back because:

A. Escapism.

 

and

B. The character has enough heart and soul to make them want to root for their success.

That 'emotional truth' is how characters make their way into our hearts, even when our minds separate them from reality.

When we read good books, our brains actually release oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" that promotes connection and empathy.

The science behind this is amazing when you think about it.

As a post from the "Writers In The Storm" blog so aptly put it,  “Your character can do almost anything—as long as you give them believable and credible motivations. Readers go along with what they understand…”

What many people don't realize is that reading is a conversation between the Author and reader. Throughout a text authors leave clues, cues, and messages for readers to interpret. 

This interpretation of tone, themes, and world, creates the experience that paint characters as iconic in the minds of readers.

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I hope you found something helpful in today's blog and I look forward to diving further into this topic in the following weeks.

Happy reading and writing!

- Nadia

What To Write Wednesday: 8/6/2025

A strong opening can make or break a story, so that is what this weeks prompt will be based on.

Part 1: Write a prologue (150-300 words) that is a letter written by a character who knows their about to die. 

Part 2. The first letter of every sentence when put together in order needs to spell a message.

(If you have ever done an acrostic poem, that is essentially the concept.)

Example: 

You yearn to embrace the sun, but are scared to breach the safety of soil.

Only when the perfect conditions arrive will you arise from slumber and sprout.

Under the watchful eye of the world you unfurl your leaves and learn to dance in the breeze.

Growing pains paint the summer sky.

Rejoice in the rain, knowing nothing lasts forever.

On the horizon the promise of petals bloom.

Why are you scared to bear fruit?

Girl don’t you know you are priceless?

Imagine a being that comes back stronger every winter; and sweeter every harvest.

Remember, that's you.

Little seeds buried deep deep under doubt, it’s time to show the world what they've been missing.

For a chance at being featured on our blog, email your take of the prompt to: storybridgteens@gmail.com

Happy reading and writing,

- Nadia

What it Actually Takes To Land An Agent: An interview with Shaina A. Cordas

This week, we're highlighting a rising name in the literary world: Shaina A. Cordas. A "middle grade and young adult fantasy author dedicated to whimsy and adventure." 

Abigail had the pleasure of interviewing Cordas, to learn about her journey as a professional writer: From muses, to manuscripts, favorite snacks and more, get comfy  and enjoy a behind the scenes look at how to turn storytelling into a successful career.

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Abigail: "What’s the first story or piece you remember writing that made you think: “I want to do this seriously?"

Shaina: "It was actually someone else’s work that made me want to write—Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard!" "I remember reading it back in 2019 and, for the first time, seeing the pieces of the story and how they fit together. It was a lightbulb moment where I thought that if I could see the pieces, maybe I could figure out how to make my own."

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