Boredom and free time can sometimes combine to create horrifying and amusing results. A while back, I was at the library and decided to utilize their internet. I settled in, went to Google, and typed in the first and last name of one of my main characters.
I was amazed to see the things that popped up for that character's name. I went through a whole book's worth of names, with results ranging from historical to obscure.
So, if you're feeling adventurous, Google some of your characters. And if you're feeling even more daring, post the results here. You don't have to post the actual names (example: lead villain: A stockbroker in Virginia, etc...). I'll go first. Tonight's search yielded this:
My slightly psychotic and violent leading lady = A British actress known for soap operas.
Severely depressed supporting character = A disgraced CEO, a photographer with a picture of a puking stuffed animal, and a character in a 1930's film. There was also something about escorts, but I quickly skipped past that part.
Motherly dancer, a supporting character = An Emmy Award Winning newscaster, a landscape architect, and an actress.
Tough guy = Natural fitness guru.
You'd be amazed at how many of your characters are probably on Facebook...
and a guy in Canada.