[Project Cringe]: Name change??

5 posts

Should this character be renamed, and what if so? (See details in the comment ^^)

Poll ended at Thu Oct 31, 2024 2:29 am

Ambrose Whyte (popular Renaissance name)
0
No votes
Renoir Whyte (inspired by an artist)
1
25%
Earnest Whyte (popular Victorian name, and deceptively honest)
3
75%
 
Total votes : 4


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[Update; It looks live we've narrowed down the list! The names are at a tie right now between Renoir and Ambrose, and Earnest (credit to Moonlily!) so I'll adjust the list to those three!]

Hello, lovely people!! I have recently thought about changing the name of a character. His original name was kinda cringe, so I picked "Rune" on the spot (mind you, this isn't technically his real name, but he insists on using it). I have trouble imagining this one sitting well in Victorian England, and the more I use it, the more I realize that --while cool-- I'm just not completely sold on it for this character/world.

So, I thought I'd ask you guys! What do you think sounds like a cool alternative?? Ah, and here's a little summary of this character if it would help:

Rune Whyte

Spoiler
[Relatively short male teen with fair features. Has long blond hair tied in a neat ponytail and brown eyes. He tends to wear high-class clothes, his favorite pieces being a royal blue tailcoat, cool-colored clothes, and black high-top boots with moderate heels, silver buttons, and dramatic royal-blue bows on the back.]

True name "Simon Ashley Fawkes," Rune constantly insists on using this fake name, completely dissociated from his life before Thorneheart Manor [a home for the "insane" in 1890s England]. In his past life, after suffering a breakdown, he was abandoned by family, institutionalized, and eventually wound up alone and living in an abandoned house with no idea who he was supposed to be. Eventually, he was found and put in touch with the Thorneheart estate.

Despite being taken in from the streets of Oxford, he carries himself with elegance and class, and has developed an eccentric, somewhat flamboyant demeanor. He has a taste for fashion, design, and tailoring. At the same time, he can be very sly and knows how to get his hands dirty, which is a very useful tool for the main character as she investigates the manor.
Last edited by Ravena on Sun Oct 27, 2024 2:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
(Formerly RavenAkuma)

~ "Believe only half of what you see, and nothing that you hear." ~

- Edgar Allan Poe




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Some personal thoughts in case this helps:
Spoiler

Sol Whyte reminds me too much of Snow White
Winter Whyte sounds a little too catchy.
Azriel Whyte is not bad. It sounds "wise" but I personally don't like the first name much.
Ambrose sounded too formal to my ear.
Renoir was my choice because it sounded...idk... intriguing? Like the name is not common and it has a lot of interest in it in my opinion.
Vermeer...I don't know. I just didn't like that one xD.
Rune is a great name too! I had a hard time choosing between Rune and Renoir! But "Rune" gives me youthful vibes which for a character naming himself, he probably wouldn't want. I see a teenager going for a longer more sophisticated name.
Kaia
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You don't have to be the best to still be really good! Keep writing!




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Hear me out!


Spoiler
Earnest Whyte. This was a name that gained popularity in the Victorian age. Furthermore, Earnest was used in the ever-flamboyant Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest. In this play, a man poses as his fake brother named Earnest to whoo his friend's cousin. This fits well with the blurb. There is also a sense of irony as Earnest means Serious, determined, and sincere. Something our sly character might not be in full.




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@Kaia That's all great to know! And "too close to Snow White" --fair enough XDD

@Moonlily, hmmm, Earnest Whyte...That's actually got a nice ring to it, and I love that short history you included (and the callback to his sly nature)! I'll consider for sure! :D
(Formerly RavenAkuma)

~ "Believe only half of what you see, and nothing that you hear." ~

- Edgar Allan Poe




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Honestly, I love @moonlily's vote.
Kaia
Traditional Christian
You don't have to be the best to still be really good! Keep writing!



You must never give into despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road, and you surrender to your lowest instincts. In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.
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