Here's a question.

[neveralarch]

So, I'm working on this Doctor/Master AU, and I'm having this issue with names. The Master is easy, because he uses all the aliases ever, so I just get to play around with those and figure out one that fits. The Doctor, though, is a huge pain. John Smith is the obvious choice, which is why I'm kind of shying away from it. I tried looking at names that are associated with doctors, but I'm not happy with them. Luke is already a DW character name, and Asa and Caduceus are both a bit out there (though I do know guys named Asa). Mostly I'm just worried that picking a name will make the character seem less like the Doctor. What do you guys think? Should I just pick a name that I like and go from there? Or should I forget it and use John Smith, on the basis that everyone will know who I'm talking about?

Comments

[bagheera-san.livejournal.com]

I think John Smith is good because it doesn't distract from the story/character? Because, like the Doctor's real name, you can sort of ignore it without each time thinking "oh yeah that's his name" when you read it. Also, creative names are rarely a good idea, it leads to people calling their children Kal-El and Apple and Rainbow Sunshine (all real examples afaik).

[neveralarch]

That is true. I grew up with a bunch of creatively named people, so I tend to gloss over the more uncommon examples, but I know that's not true for everyone. Especially with already-named characters. Thanks!