'real' names in Fantasy Settings.

[Naruzeldamaster]

I'm not sure how common/uncommon this is with books and other media.
But with video games it happens a lot. Particularly in Final Fantasy. Heck, sometimes it happens in Zelda (Though very rarely)
Everyone seems to have names like Elliot etc, you know typical fantasy or fantasy leaning names.
Then there's always the one guy/girl with a 'normal' name.

You know, a guy named Bill or a girl named Joe/Mary etc.

In my book I plan to make fun of this (because the whole 'thing' of the book is poking fun at video game tropes) by having a village/town of people with regular name and the one 'oddball' with a fantasy name. But I do wonder if the bit would run a little thin. There's a strong chance readers won't get the 'joke' as well. Since the characters only draw attention to it once.

I am a bit wary of doing the bit, but I'm going through with it anyway. Hopefully readers will like/understand the joke.

 

[CupofJoe]

I am always a bit wary of in-jokes.
As you say there is a chance most people won’t get them, or they must be explained to them.
Or they are only for the "real" fans.
The one exception to this is Sir Terry Pratchett. He wrote in so many in-jokes or Easter eggs, that is hard to get them all straight. But that was part of his style.

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

I am always a bit wary of in-jokes.

Some of the in jokes I'm making are fairly obvious. (at least to me they are ? )

Like one of them I reference a couple of times is about doing a 'check' or rolling a 'D twenty' both of these are blink and miss it moments. But I feel like the joke is obvious. (DND) I feel like most people know about DND these days, even if it's just from the movie from a while ago.

As you say there is a chance most people won’t get them, or they must be explained to them.
Or they are only for the "real" fans.

This is what I'd like to avoid, I love the idea of the bit (Cause it amuses me particularly) but I may cut it. It feels...like fluff? You know, maybe there's rumors of a town where that happens but the characters never actually go there. It's world building but it feels like padding/excess.

The one exception to this is Sir Terry Pratchett. He wrote in so many in-jokes or Easter eggs, that is hard to get them all straight. But that was part of his style.

I believe he's the guy that wrote Olliver Twist right? Forgive me for making the mistake lol I have heard his name before. (though I forget which book)

As for the other jokes, the book isn't explicitly about poking fun at video game tropes in fantasy, just fantasy in general? But I will admit a few of the references are super leaning toward video games.

 

[Insolent Lad]

The one exception to this is Sir Terry Pratchett. He wrote in so many in-jokes or Easter eggs, that is hard to get them all straight. But that was part of his style.

As in his pseudo-Chinese culture with Chinese-sounding names, he had to throw in someone named McSweeney.

 

[pmmg]

I believe he's the guy that wrote Olliver Twist right? Forgive me for making the mistake lol I have heard his name before. (though I forget which book)

As for the other jokes, the book isn't explicitly about poking fun at video game tropes in fantasy, just fantasy in general? But I will admit a few of the references are super leaning toward video games.

I am not sure all things are forgivable, specially from those wanting to be writers...

Charles Dickens -- Oliver Twist
Terry Prachet -- Disc World.

How did you go from talking comedy to Oliver Twist?

 

[pmmg]

I am reminded of Sandy Squirrel from spongebob, as if a squirrel could just migrate to under the ocean...

I think I might notice this, specially if the fantasy name was hard to miss. Bob, Sally, Sarah, and Galvatar all went...

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

I am not sure all things are forgivable, specially from those wanting to be writers...

Charles Dickens -- Oliver Twist
Terry Prachet -- Disc World.

How did you go from talking comedy to Oliver Twist?

In my defense I only know a few famous authors by name....
Some of them I get the actual books mixed up (which is why I asked to be sure to begin with because my brain makes mistakes) unless they're the really obvious ones. (Like Tolkien and LOTR) If it helps, I'm equally bad with film directors. So the problem isn't exclusive to famous writers. I'm also bad at remembering actor names. (Both in video games and other media) I do wish I was better at it, but part of it is the way my brain is wired.

I am reminded of Sandy Squirrel from spongebob, as if a squirrel could just migrate to under the ocean...

I think I might notice this, specially if the fantasy name was hard to miss. Bob, Sally, Sarah, and Galvatar all went...

This was the idea with the town full of normal names and then randomly Galvatar or something. (And he/she would be teased for their name)
It's just a silly lore joke, probably would be a one off Bit about this trope in media. If readers got the joke, good for them for paying attention, but it wouldn't be all that important to the story. Hence why I'm debating cutting it.

 

[Penpilot]

Looking at this, I think there's a trip up. If we look at our own world, what's unusual vs. what's normal is all relative.

If you look at a list of names Bob, Fred, Sam, Mary and Kimaya. Depending what part of the world you're in, Kimaya maybe the common name or it maybe the uncommon name. Same with the other names. Depending on the reader, the name Bob may be just as unusual a name as Kimaya, so to them, the joke will be completely lost. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

Looking at this, I think there's a trip up. If we look at our own world, what's unusual vs. what's normal is all relative.

If you look at a list of names Bob, Fred, Sam, Mary and Kimaya. Depending what part of the world you're in, Kimaya maybe the common name or it maybe the uncommon name. Same with the other names. Depending on the reader, the name Bob may be just as unusual a name as Kimaya, so to them, the joke will be completely lost. Just something to keep in mind.

Hmm, perhaps 'real' is the wrong word/phrase then.
How about we go with 'normal ass earthling on a regular old/unmodified earth.' names. (although I think that's the 'trip up' you mentioned, if I'm reading it right) Granted we pick some pretty odd names ourselves. But I don't know anyone running around naming their kid Sauron, Gandalf, Sonic The Hedgehog etc though it has happened. Robin william's Daughter legally changed her name to Zelda.

 

[Wrensul]

It's intention and surroundings, right? And audience.

I agree with CupofJoe that Terry Prachett expected people not to get every little joke or reference. And he had the library/pile of lore to let that work. The surrounding material to support his intention.

You can set your joke up to support your intention. Regardless of the amount of work you have.

I am part of a "western audience" that has played video games, but even so I think the trope you're making fun of has reached a large variety of people. In the least, I think someone would be able to pick up on the pattern of names and spot the odd one out, and probably find that a little silly. pmmg

If they don't, maybe they weren't the type meant to read your story anyway. Orrrrrr, your fantasy is just that darn good, and who cares about a small miss?

 

[ThinkerX]

Many of the names I use in my stories come from lists in the old TSR 'Historical Earth' series, mythology, or country-specific baby name sites. Most of those names 'fit the region.' But there are always some that are common in the US.

My rule of thumb with fantasy names is to keep them short and easy to pronounce, to make them easy for the reader to remember.

 

[Penpilot]

Hmm, perhaps 'real' is the wrong word/phrase then.
How about we go with 'normal ass earthling on a regular old/unmodified earth.' names. (although I think that's the 'trip up' you mentioned, if I'm reading it right) Granted we pick some pretty odd names ourselves. But I don't know anyone running around naming their kid Sauron, Gandalf, Sonic The Hedgehog etc though it has happened. Robin william's Daughter legally changed her name to Zelda.

Maybe if you exaggerate the differences in such an over the top way that even if they don't get the joke they'll understand something is going on. For example, That's Phil. That's Mike. That's Mick. Oh and that's Storaya Balenny Moonrise, Daughter of Dusk, Fist of the Fallen Heavens, Destroyer of the Five Dooms of Ishana Moor and her cousin, Al.

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

Maybe if you exaggerate the differences in such an over the top way that even if they don't get the joke they'll understand something is going on. For example, That's Phil. That's Mike. That's Mick. Oh and that's Storaya Balenny Moonrise, Daughter of Dusk, Fist of the Fallen Heavens, Destroyer of the Five Dooms of Ishana Moor and her cousin, Al.

That was going to be the idea I think, thinking on it some. The Game Undertale makes a similar joke.

There's a village of creatures called Temmies. (don't ask me why they're called that, only toby fox knows) And they're all named some form of spelling 'Tim' then there's one that's just 'Bob'

No reason, it's just there. No attention is drawn to it and the actual moment is a 'blink and miss it' type. You could explore the whole town and not talk to Bob because he looks exactly like all the others.

 

[Romy]

No reason, it's just there. No attention is drawn to it and the actual moment is a 'blink and miss it' type. You could explore the whole town and not talk to Bob because he looks exactly like all the others.

Everybody thinking there is something about Bob... A quest, some part of puzzle... Nothing. Just plain old Bob.

 

[Prince of Spires]

There's the Tiffany problem to consider. Which is that some names you think of as modern are actually somewhere between pretty old and very old. With Tiffany being a prime example by sounding modern, but the earliest writen record with it is from the 1600's, with some sources pointing to 1200s.

Just to point at your modern names, Bill is something like 800 years old (as a nickname for William). And I know of at least one written source of about 2026 years old that mentions Mary as a girls name (I'm willing to bet that finding a medieval european town without a girl named Mary would be the exception instead of the rule). Joe is only about 150-odd years old as its own thing. Though again there are 2026 year old written sources that mention a Joseph, and it's not unthinkable that someone named Joseph gets called Joe by his friends because it's shorter and easier even if it isn't his official name.

(tangent, but the Tiffany problem doesn't restrict itself to names, but also to items and the like. The first recorded vending machine is dated to about 2.000 years about, built by and ancient greek guy named Hero of Alexandria...)

As for the joke, it's impossible to say. As with many jokes, it very much depends on the execution. If you manage to land the punchline, then it's amazing. If you don't, then it's either cringe worthy or readers will completely miss it. Just write it and see what happens.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

I believe he's the guy that wrote Olliver Twist right? Forgive me for making the mistake lol I have heard his name before. (though I forget which book)

Someone help, I feel like I'm dying.

 

[MoSSurII]

I believe he's the guy that wrote Olliver Twist right? Forgive me for making the mistake lol I have heard his name before. (though I forget which book)

No, he didn't, but he did write A Tale of Two Cities, though.

 

[Romy]

With Dodger you are not far off... (but not his best)

And for game inspired novels, you might get to know him with Johnny Maxwell series. Not his typical work and think Johnny & the bomb has been turned in a movie or series... but low on typical Pratchettness.

The Discworld series (some are movies mixed results... very... ) is the reference for fantasy comedy. Since you also research comedy, it might be an interesting series. There are some very old games which might give you a feel for his style. Might be available on emulation. (think PS1 era, monkey island style for the two good games). Since it is very much word play, the books are the real way to taste. They go from silly puns, fantasy parody to complete social satire (usually in a good way).
And he was a gamer

 

[Naruzeldamaster]

There's the Tiffany problem to consider. Which is that some names you think of as modern are actually somewhere between pretty old and very old. With Tiffany being a prime example by sounding modern, but the earliest writen record with it is from the 1600's, with some sources pointing to 1200s.

Just to point at your modern names, Bill is something like 800 years old (as a nickname for William). And I know of at least one written source of about 2026 years old that mentions Mary as a girls name (I'm willing to bet that finding a medieval european town without a girl named Mary would be the exception instead of the rule). Joe is only about 150-odd years old as its own thing. Though again there are 2026 year old written sources that mention a Joseph, and it's not unthinkable that someone named Joseph gets called Joe by his friends because it's shorter and easier even if it isn't his official name.

This is an interesting tidbit. I will keep this in mind.

(tangent, but the Tiffany problem doesn't restrict itself to names, but also to items and the like. The first recorded vending machine is dated to about 2.000 years about, built by and ancient greek guy named Hero of Alexandria...)

I think some folks might be thrown when I describe microwaves, vending machines, and Refrigerators in my fantasy world.
But the idea there is that theirs are more fantasy based in how they work, and work as a fantasy equivalent for the real thing.
There's nothing much more advanced than that (you know, house hold appliances) and things like Hamburgers and Pizza are a thing too. This is a fantasy world that only takes itself 'seriously' when the plot requires it.

As for the joke, it's impossible to say. As with many jokes, it very much depends on the execution. If you manage to land the punchline, then it's amazing. If you don't, then it's either cringe worthy or readers will completely miss it. Just write it and see what happens.

The hope with this idea is that the commentary/joke is at least noticed, potentially by even non gamers. if I can accomplish that. I'll consider it mission achieved, but if people actually understand what the joke is making fun of, even better. I don't mind if they don't see the humor (Not everyone has my sense of humor even other gamers) but if they at least understand the bit I'm happy with it.