Prophetic Names for NPCs
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Apprentice
Member # 4902
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 08:34
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*Rant Mode: On* I just love how characters in Video Games, Movies, Books, etc. will often have names that give hints as to who they are or what they do. Because, you know, Mom and Dad would be looking at their newborn baby, and one would say to the other, "You know dear, he looks like he'll be a Necromancer some day. Let's name him Necaros!" Or maybe, "He seems like a loner, honey. I think we should call him Purgatos!" *Rant Mode: Off* Yeah, not trying to make fun of anyone (like Jeff or J.K. Rowling), but I find it somewhat humorous when characters have names that describe them in adulthood. Especially when said name is their real, honest, legal, given name and not some kind of taken-for-granted nickname. Any other ironic, too-true names you've seen in Avernum you want to share? I'm sure I've forgotten a bunch of them. Edit: And how about the Island of Bigail? With the roaches all over it, spreading filth and disease, anyone living there experiences a Big Ailment! Ba bum Ksh! [ Sunday, October 16, 2005 08:36: Message edited by: Marak ] -------------------- Your training was extensive... "This... is a tree!" "...what's it for?" ...and confusing. ---Avernum 3 Intro Posts: 42 | Registered: Thursday, August 26 2004 07:00 |
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...b10010b...
Member # 869
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 12:32
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Sometimes this happens to real people, too. -------------------- The Empire Always Loses: This Time For Sure! Posts: 9973 | Registered: Saturday, March 30 2002 08:00 |
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Apprentice
Member # 4902
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 14:20
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Nominative determinism. Nice. I still say authors have a tendancy to do this (whether on purpose or not), whereas in real life it's normally more coincidence than anything. -------------------- Your training was extensive... "This... is a tree!" "...what's it for?" ...and confusing. ---Avernum 3 Intro Posts: 42 | Registered: Thursday, August 26 2004 07:00 |
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Triad Mage
Member # 7
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 15:26
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I think that Storm Field is the best name ever for a weatherman. -------------------- "At times discretion should be thrown aside, and with the foolish we should play the fool." - Menander ==== Drakefyre's Demesne - Happy Happy Joy Joy Encyclopedia Ermariana - Trapped in the Closet ==== You can take my Mac when you pry my cold, dead fingers off the mouse! Posts: 9436 | Registered: Wednesday, September 19 2001 07:00 |
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Trademark
Member # 6397
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 17:01
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Consider it one of the less ostentatious ramifications of psychological realism? Unless you're referring to the sort of medeival Aristotlean epic which would name characters "All Men" or "Supervaccuo", in which you could consider it one of the more ostentatious ramifications of putting a pen to paper. Posts: 24 | Registered: Saturday, October 15 2005 07:00 |
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Master
Member # 5977
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written Sunday, October 16 2005 23:27
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some people are actually called "Endavour" or "bravery." -------------------- Play and rate my scenarios: Where the rivers meet View my upcoming scenario: The Nephil Search: Escape. Give us your drek! Posts: 3029 | Registered: Saturday, June 18 2005 07:00 |
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Law Bringer
Member # 335
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written Monday, October 17 2005 07:47
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My father alleges that he had a classmate by the name of Tripp Lurch. He never did make it as a long-distance runner. —Alorael, who is reasonably certain that nobody has ever been named "Endavour." Endeavour, perhaps? Posts: 14579 | Registered: Saturday, December 1 2001 08:00 |
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Agent
Member # 5814
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written Monday, October 17 2005 14:00
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The fact that there are necromancers named Necros is a theatrical effect. In games where the backstory of these characters is not inspected with great detail, I'm leaning towards the idea that rather than being the effect of nominative determinism, it is in fact the choice on the author's part to give them a relevant name. For example: Dialog 1 (Casually named necromancer): "Bob has lived on Cemetery Hill ever since his wife died." Dialog 2 (Theatrically named): "Necros has lived on Cemetery Hill ever since his wife died." See how "Bob" is quite disruptive to the building of suspense, while "Necros" makes it quite clear what's going to happen? -------------------- quote: Posts: 1115 | Registered: Sunday, May 15 2005 07:00 |
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Apprentice
Member # 4902
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written Tuesday, October 18 2005 13:00
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An excellent point, Knot. I admit I handn't thought of it that way. Thanks for the insight. -------------------- Your training was extensive... "This... is a tree!" "...what's it for?" ...and confusing. ---Avernum 3 Intro Posts: 42 | Registered: Thursday, August 26 2004 07:00 |