Switching names up during a story

[caleb35]

Okay, so I've got a bit of an odd question -- I'm writing a story where I want to play around a little bit with identity during the story. I've got two characters in costume. I want to introduce one character under their real name, then switch over to using the name of the person they're costumed as during most of the story, and then returning to their real name just before the end. Purpose is to signal falling into the role so that the person kind of becomes the character while they're costumed as the character. My question to you all -- is this a good idea or is it stupid? Also, will readers get it or is it just going to confuse readers if I call one character by two different names in a single story (even if I provide structure and guidance as to when the name switching occurs in the story)? Thanks in advance for any feedback/opinions on this.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I did something like this in one of mine (Anjali switches to "Lily" when she's being paid for her company) and I was happy with how it worked out. I don't recall any of the readers commenting on it either way.

 

[EmilyMiller]

Okay, so I've got a bit of an odd question -- I'm writing a story where I want to play around a little bit with identity during the story. I've got two characters in costume. I want to introduce one character under their real name, then switch over to using the name of the person they're costumed as during most of the story, and then returning to their real name just before the end. Purpose is to signal falling into the role so that the person kind of becomes the character while they're costumed as the character. My question to you all -- is this a good idea or is it stupid? Also, will readers get it or is it just going to confuse readers if I call one character by two different names in a single story (even if I provide structure and guidance as to when the name switching occurs in the story)? Thanks in advance for any feedback/opinions on this.

I wrote a story featuring two escorts who used their professional names when with clients and their real names when together. I had no complaints (currently 4.79️), but I tried to flag the transitions very clearly.

 

[iwatchus]

@MelissaBaby did this in her excellent Gold Dollar Girls. It's about strippers and they had stage names and names they use away from the club. I had to go back to reread a chunk because I got lost about who was who. I think it puts more pressure on writing well, but definitely can work.

 

[TheRedChamber]

Yeah, I've done this. You have to be very careful at the 'handover' not to confuse the reader, but as long as you bonk the mallet hard enough on their heads the first time, it can be a good way of seperating out the various hats or personas of a character.

 

[Britva415]

is this a good idea or is it stupid? Also, will readers get it or is it just going to confuse readers

There's nothing wrong with the idea.

Your job as the author is to make sure the readers get it without getting confused. It's not a matter of yes, they'll get it, or, no, they won't. That depends on whether you make it work.

So, just make it as clear, obvious and explicit as you feel you need to. Don't try to get cutesy by just doing it without explanation and leaving it to them to figure it out on their own.

 

[EmilyMiller]

I wrote a story featuring two escorts who used their professional names when with clients and their real names when together. I had no complaints (currently 4.79️), but I tried to flag the transitions very clearly.

This is how I introduced the concept:

—

The girls' accommodation was on the first floor, at the back of the house. They had two rooms, but obviously no need for the second one. While less salubrious than the client bedrooms, it was pretty nice. The site tried to look after its workers.

Closing the door, they collapsed side by side on their bed, lying on their backs and silently looking at the ceiling, hands clasped. They enjoyed just being together, and being quiet.

Eventually, Charity spoke. "It's nice when they are nice, right?"

"Well, I don't know that I've had anyone who was really objectionable," replied Candy thoughtfully. "I know you had that solo gig with the creepy guy."

"He wasn't so much creepy," said Charity. "More lonely. It was just weird him saying he loved me."

"What's so weird about falling in love with you?" Candy teased, tickling her partner.

"Stop it!" Charity objected. "I'm too tired."

"OK, Miss Boring," laughed Candy. "But I agree they are nice. They seem like good people. This should go smoothly."

As she was speaking, Candy's phone beeped. "We got the rating..." A second beep rang out. "... and the bonus!"

"How much is that now?" asked Charity, pushing herself up on an elbow.

Candy opened their bank app. "Not enough, but getting there. Not too many more weeks."

"There's the Pell grant, and the NHSC money, you must be almost there," said Charity.

"Yeah, I haven't heard back about state funding yet."

Candy paused, thinking for a few moments. She sounded more serious when she next spoke. "I don't know, it's so much money. There's both our student loans to pay. Just think what else we could do with it."

"And," she added sadly, "it's not like either of us can rely on parents."

Charity took Candy's hands in hers. "Sarah Johnson, you are going to medical school, and that big brain of yours is gonna mean you'll be the best surgeon in history. We're not discussing this, OK? I've made up my mind. Don't you know better than to argue with a redhead?"

Sarah embraced Jessica. "You're the best, you know that?"

With that, they snuggled up, and were soon both asleep.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Okay, so I've got a bit of an odd question -- I'm writing a story where I want to play around a little bit with identity during the story. I've got two characters in costume. I want to introduce one character under their real name, then switch over to using the name of the person they're costumed as during most of the story, and then returning to their real name just before the end. Purpose is to signal falling into the role so that the person kind of becomes the character while they're costumed as the character. My question to you all -- is this a good idea or is it stupid? Also, will readers get it or is it just going to confuse readers if I call one character by two different names in a single story (even if I provide structure and guidance as to when the name switching occurs in the story)? Thanks in advance for any feedback/opinions on this.

Absolutely. In one of my recent stories, the MC goes to a Halloween party dressed as Cat woman, she calls herself Selena Kyle, especially interacting with a few guys dressed as Batman.

 

[Cagivagurl]

Guess it's a balancing act between making a definition and confusing the readers.
Do it well, and it might add a little something to the story.
Do it poorly, and you risk confusing, and then losing the reader.
My question would be. "Does it add anything to the story?" If not, why bother. It's just something else to worry about during editing....

Risk V reward I guess...

Just my thoughts.

Cagivagurl

 

[StillStunned]

My story "Annie's Inhibition Removal Therapy" is told in the first person POV. But when Annie's alter ego takes over, "I" becomes "Anna" and "she". Nobody seems to have been confused by it, and at least one reader thought it was realistic.

 

[NaughteeDragon]

I just did this in my most recent story. For 80% of the story she is His Mother or Mom, but when they get to intimate moments she wants him to call her by her name because she isn’t into the incest aspect.
I’m also doing this in my Halloween story where the MC switches between her professional name and real name and her wife does the same. Be very clear about what names are what characters and when they are transitioning and why. Find a couple of points where the character can be referred to both ways to establish the shared identity.

 

[lovecraft68]

It'll be hit and miss. Some will follow it and know what you're doing, others will be confused.

Unfortunately, I imagine the ones who are confused and put off will be the ones that comment. Lit is its own Murphy's Law.

 

[GuiltyCowboy]

I'd add that your choice of names can have a big impact on the success of this device.

You might want names that feel very different to emphasize the distinction. Or you might want names that are anagrams or close anagrams to link them, even subliminally.

If all the names are a bit bland then it might get pretty muddy. Dave and Matt, for example, are essentially the same name for me.

Whatever the case, have fun playing around with the options.