I'm writing a story in which the protagonist's name is Rose, I've just always loved this name, there isn't any symbolism behind it.
But I've started thinking about her name and realised how cliche it is. Should I just grit my teeth and move on with my story, or should I look for a different name? If you have any ideas for an alternative one, I'd really appreciate suggestions!!
Cacoethes Scribendi
Favorite Answer
Please understand, I PROMISE I'm not trying to be snotty and judgmental.
It really doesn't matter what you call your characters.
For some inexplicable reason, people on this website are always fixated on character names, and I just don't get it. Consider J. K. Rowling. She chose the name Hermione for her female protagonist, and who really cares? Would her character be any less compelling, interesting or memorable if her name was Rose, or Marigold or Vanessa? It's not the name that counts, it's the amount of care and attention you give to the development of the character to make her interesting and compelling.
A solid story, with fully three-dimensional characters is what counts. Honestly, nobody cares what their names are.
Mary
I disagree with the fact that people are saying that the name doesn't matter. I personally could not enjoy the character Hermione because of her name. It just wasn't an enjoyable sounding name. I think that when your writing a book the name should be easy to read. I have read a lot of books where a author picked a name and it had great development of the character, but I had to give her/him a different name so I could read the book. I do agree that it's your book and you should choose a name in which you like as everyone has said, However having said that it is the readers that need to enjoy the story line and characters that make and brake books. Without them books don't come to light.
Kasi RG
If you love Rose, then stick with the name! But you said "should I just grit my teeth", meaning there's a part of you that wants something else. If you want an oldschool name, Ruby is cool. But really, it's all up to what sparks with you. Go on a baby names website, and I promise one will jump out at you as perfect.
MirandaS.
I like Rose (or even go with Rosalie like the other answer said). I don't think it is cliche at all! It's a classic name.
?
If you like the name, go with it!
Rose isn't cliched at all. It's elegant and understated.