Narration question for my writing friends...

[switch842]

In the narration of a story, should people be referred to by first or last name? In my latest story, right now, I have everything as "blah blah blah," FirstName said. But, there are some characters where we don't have first names, so they are "blah blah blah," LastName said. But that's just inconsistent, isn't it? So, should I make up first names for everyone? Or change everything to LastName said?

Comments

[ms-3m.livejournal.com]

I'm not a writer but I do alpha and beta fic and I don't think you are over-thinking the situation. To me, this is a sign of a writer trying to carefully craft a story, especially one that is based in fandom as opposed to an original story.

I agree with wraith816 and regann's second post about associating names with the person 'speaking'.

One of the things that I've often commented on in a beta is a character using a form of address that is inconsistent with what happens in the show/movie.

Just my four cents! Inflation you know.

:D

[switch842.livejournal.com]

Oo! A whole four cents?!?! Wow!!! I'll be sure to keep that nugget tucked safely away! LOL :-)

Anyway, everything you guy's have said makes a lot of sense. It sounds much better now. :-)