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