The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Characters need names. It’s how they identify one another. It’s easier to say, “I spoke with Barry,” than “I spoke with that little, funny guy who was here a little bit ago.”

Character names also establish the cloak of fiction. If spects are addressed by their real names, they assume that they’re playing as themselves and tend to play more cautiously. Address them by their character names and spects have permission to play however they like—as themselves or someone completely different.

Addressing characters by name implies that you already know them. It bypasses the need for characters to get to know each other, and moves you into the meat of the scene.

How to generate names

There are many ways to come up with character’s names.

• Think of a random name.
• Use the name of someone you know.
• Think of a letter and then a name that starts with that letter.
• Get names from online lists.

When a name has been established, you can generate variations on the name that reflect your relationship. If the character is Charles Peterson, here are some variations:

• First and/or last: Charles, Peterson, Charles Peterson
• Titles: Mr. Peterson, Mr. P., Judge Peterson
• Nicknames: Chuck, Chaz, Charlie
• Initials: C.P.

Terms of endearment don’t count as names. Sweetheart, buddy, pal, and honey may imply relationships, but they don’t count as names because others can’t use them. If an endearment is used, the character still needs to be named.

When naming multiple characters, use names that start with different sounds. This differentiates the names, making them easier to remember. If one character is Carrie, don’t name another one Cassie.

If you find yourself using the same names over and over, try making a list of different names in your training journal. Glance at the list before you start to play. It expands the repertoire of your go-to names.

Naming spects

It’s important to address spects by their character names. It assumes a relationship and reinforces the idea that they’re playing as characters. It also keeps you from asking who they are, which causes most spects to provide their own name and strips them of the cloak of fiction.

It’s easy to incorporate a character name. Just make it a part of whatever else you have to say.

“Judge Peterson, here are the files you requested.”

Be sure that the name sounds like a statement. An upward inflection at the end of a name sounds like a question. If a name sounds like a question, spects will often correct you with their real name, which again removes the cloak of fiction.

Naming inter-actors

It’s also a good practice to address your fellow inter-actors by character name. It saves them from needing to name themselves and helps spects know who the other characters are.

Don’t use introductions as a way to introduce names. This assumes that characters don’t know each other, making it harder to endow relationships and shared histories. You avoid the trap of introductions by addressing players directly using their character names.

“Shayla! We didn’t think you’d be here tonight!”

Players don’t have to be part of a conversation for you to include their names. You can reference characters who are nearby.

“I was talking with Commander Vargas, in the gray jacket over there, and she said we’ll be shipping out tomorrow.”

You can also name characters who aren’t present at all.

“Miss Gracie will be here in a little bit. She wants to discuss some changes here in the soup kitchen.”

When naming a character who isn’t present, a fun trope is to use a name that implies a gender, and allow spects to be surprised when a character of the opposite gender shows up.

Naming yourself

Spects and inter-actors need to know your character name too. If no one addresses you by name, then it’s up to you. Naming yourself can feel a bit awkward. Here are some tips to make it easier.

• Say what someone said – “So my boss said to me, ‘Jerry, you’re the only one I can trust around here.’”
• Speak in the third person – “You wouldn’t keep a secret from your old pal Lulu, would you?”
• Announce yourself – “Private Monroe, reporting for duty, sir!”
• Reference where it’s written – “This is my office. Florence Eubanks. It’s right there on the door.”

How to remember names

Remembering names is a critical interactive skill. If you don’t remember characters’ names, you have no way to refer to them. Trying to remember a forgotten name traps you in your head, causing you to miss other important details. Name recall may be difficult, but it’s an important skill to master. Here are some techniques to make it easier.

• Silently repeat the name three times.
• Draw the first letter of the name on your leg.
• Make the first three letters of the name using sign language finger spelling.
• Think of a word that rhymes with the name.
• Think of someone you know who has the same name.
• Picture the name written across the person’s forehead.
• Turn the name into an image and imagine it on the person’s face. (E.g., Mr. Miller has a windmill spinning on his nose.)
• Use the name in the next line you speak.
• Use the name multiple times within a scene.

You’re not the only one who’s trying to remember names. So is everyone else. You make everyone’s life easier when you repeat characters’ names at the beginning of a story. The more the names are spoken, the easier it is for everyone to remember.