Is this character name a problem?

[Boneman]

I think the terrible minority of one will stay that way... terrible and minor.

 

[Harpo]

I have a friend called Orc, it's a terrific name.

 

[HareBrain]

I have a friend called Orc.

Ooh, interesting. How come?

I'm feeling pretty reassured, thanks everyone. It would have been a wrench to change it now anyway.

(When he discovers his real name, xzz'til'licat''ticatic, I might still have problems.)

 

[Ursa major]

There are two cats in xzz'til'licat''ticatic, so I think he'll purrsist with the name....

 

[The Judge]

If he was an Aussie, he would shorten it to something logical - not unlike shortening John to Johnno.

Only an Aussie would call turning John -- a name of four letters -- into Johnno -- a name of six letters -- shortening...

 

[Freelancer]

In my opinion if you're not giving a very unique traits to the character, readers whose love and capable to visualize what they're reading, they'll continuously imagine the MC as a green orc or as a negative character. You must write a very unique character trait right from the beginning or something which is going to make a real difference between your character and the well known orcs... or the readers, especially fantasy readers will refer automatically for these creatures as they read, regardless your intention is different.

Reading your background reference this approach may work out well if you can find an appropriate balance in the traits of your character and the descriptions.

 

[Glitch]

I think it's ok, with the brief explanation.

No different than calling someone Calvin Klein as that was written on their underpants!

 

[The Judge]

No different than calling someone Calvin Klein as that was written on their underpants!

Back to the Future!

 

[Ursa major]

Which was the very example in my mind when I made the comment about product placement.

 

[The Judge]

And there was me thinking it was the Aston Martins in the Bond films...

Though, in view of HareBrain's last two entries in the 75 word competition, perhaps it's fitting that his thread comes round in the end to pants.

 

[Sorcerer]

Why not have him wear a "Zoot" wetsuit and call him Zoot instead ?

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Why not have him wear a "Zoot" wetsuit and call him Zoot instead ?

Surely you can't be serious!