Do characters always need a surname?

Question

I'm debating whether or not to give my protagonist a last name. His last name would be of no relevance in the story, so basically it's just useless information. But is having a last name, relevant or not, necessary for building a believable character?

I remember when I used to read Stephen King novels, it would annoy me the way all of his characters are introduced by their full name. "I'm John Doe. This is Joe Blow, and that over there is Peter Cottontail."

Who talks like that in the real world? It's too formal. It sounds better to me like this: "I'm John. This is Joe, and that over there is Pete."

Answer 1

not necessarily. from my experience, they are rarely used in books, and they complicate the story little. So does too many characters.

Answer 2

nah, you're fine without one.  the only reason they'd really need one is if your story were some sort of mystery or something, and both their names were actually going to be used, like on a Missing Child poster or something, you know?  and I agree with your "it's too formal" reasoning.  It's definitely too formal, when used that way.  But sometimes they are needed.  but for yours, since you said it would be of no relevance, then there you go.  no relevance=no surname.  :~)

Answer 3

In most cases, I think a character should have a surname. You don't have to use it all the time. It sort of depends on what kind of dialogue you're writing. If your characrer interacts with any kind of official, that person would be more likely to address him as "Mr. Doe" rather tan "John", for example.

Edit: long after the fact - I just remembered that the hero/protagonist of Neal Stephenson's very cool novel "Snow Crash" was a half American/half Japanese guy named Hiro Protagonist. Go nuts with it!

Cheers

Answer 4

it may seem formal to you but in a civilized society this is the way things are done,unless you are of royalty of course!!

it just gives a more polished and refined look to any character.its really cheesy to assume the whole world would know you by your first name or some made up name you go by like prince or madonna or diddy!

usually people who are in entertainment do this,so its not really a common practice.

good luck,keep it real!

Answer 5

It might be important for YOU to know his last name, but don't force it in the story if it doesn't fit.  YOU should know his first name, last name, parents names, blood type, and family lineage tracing back to 1678.  But the reader doesn't need to know any of that.  Have it on hand to put in the story if you think it's useful, but if it doesn't work out then it doesn't matter.

Answer 6

I love reading a book that doesn't give its characters names, in the red badge of courage they are referenced almost exclusively through the use of terms like the tall soldier, and in on the road I didn't find out the narrator/main character's name was until I was three quarters of the way through the book, it really let's people feel like they can relate to a book when there aren't names.

Answer 7

no they dont need a surname unless at school or something they are called like Mrs or Mr whatever

Answer 8

No. They don't. I don't introduce my characters that way--it's weird and too formal as you've pointed out--and sometimes I don't even know the character's last name. Why should I bother? It's not important to the story.

It's your choice. If it's relevant or important then go ahead, but if it's not you don't have to bother. No one's going to care anyways.

Edit: One could argue whether it makes the character more believable or not but I don't think it does. I mean, there are books where they describe the characters down to the color of their shoelaces (exaggeration) but I know nothing about them. Other stories where they don't describe the characters at all but I know all about them. A last name isn't the difference between a believable character or an unbelievable character. But I'd have one just in case.

Good luck!

Answer 9

For me, you don't have to give a surname for characters. It also depends on style and clarity. For instance, if there are multiple Johns or something. Actually, I agree in a more casual setting you wouldn't say someone's last name. I think as long as it is clear who is speaking or being spoken about then it doesn't matter. You could mention a last name once and never mention it again and readers wouldn't care as long as it was written well. Or just insert every once in a while with character interaction. Not having a last name could make it seem like the character could be anyone.

I think it depends of your style, length of story, and how many characters there are - "John Doe said this" and"Jon Rob said that."

I write too. I have a character that I have never given a last name, but other characters have them - that one just didn't need one.