Character names can be used to create associations. This is something to work on long after you’ve solved your story problems. If you don’t know what I mean, start with . If you’re past that, read on.

Consider first your setting. Names should be appropriate to the time and place. Girls named Jordan and Madison were far less common a hundred years ago. In 1913, Elizabeth, Hazel, and Henry would have a more likely sounding adventure than would Dillon, Kayden and Jayden. Census data...