Usually at the beginning of a paragraph I tend to use the proper name, then mostly he/she throughout the rest until the next paragraph begins. But sometimes it's good to change it up, and add a bit of mystery by not saying their name until the middle or near end of the paragraph. But it's important not to overuse either one. Sometimes I'll use their features to name them. Like "the black-haired boy was still feeling sad", instead of "he was" or "John was".

Thank you, Elizabeth. That is very helpful.

In my novels, I've tried to only use their name (whole, first, or Mr. or Miss with last name) once per paragraph with pronouns, descriptions or something that identifies the person. What I guess I'm not too sure about is, is it okay to use the name, i.e., John, more than one time in a paragraph? In my reading, I've found authors doing exactly that and I was under the impression, from the books I've written on writing, this is not acceptable.

Sometimes, when I have several people involved in the chapter, it gets confusing, so I feel I have to use the name again in order to let the reader know exactly to whom I'm referring. What do you think?

I grew up under the impression that it was not acceptable to use "John" more than once in a paragraph, as you said, but I think it boils down to a matter of taste nowadays. For me, as long as it's not too complicated--like, there aren't 2 or 3 people in the paragraph--I just stick with using John once. But if there are other people in that same paragraph, then I would use "John" again--or "the black-haired boy".

I always have at least 3 or more people in a chapter and interacting. This is why a choose a "character trait" to refer to each of them, and this also paints a picture inside the reader's mind making it easier for them to know who you're talking about without overusing names.
Example: "The black-haired boy was full of energy today!" I didn't have to say "John", did I? Because you already had it memorized in your mind that John has black hair. What if another character also has black hair? I use a different trait: "Max had eyes as green as the tropical sea." So I could say: "The sea-green eyed boy smiled" or "The boy of sea-green eyes smiled".
Doing this prevents me from having to name the person over and over in a chapter, because I already painted the picture in your mind. If I say "sea green" you will think of Max. "Black hair" you will think of John. I feel it brings characters to life when authors do this, as well as clarifying who is who.
And remember, readers are smarter than we give them credit for. So, chances are, they will know who you are talking about :)
I hope this helps?

Basically, within a chapter you can use the name frequently as needed, but within a paragraph maybe try to limit it.

Your books look great, by the way! I'm interested in reading them.

Elizabeth wrote: "Basically, within a chapter you can use the name frequently as needed, but within a paragraph maybe try to limit it.

Your books look great, by the way! I'm interested in reading them."

Why, thank you, ma'm. :D

And thank you for all the advice. I see what you mean about the descriptions and I'll be doing that more from now on. Genius! And I do try to limit the use of proper names. The only time I use the name more than once in the chapter, as I mentioned, is when there might be confusion over whom I'm referring to if I only use him or her, she or he. If I could think of a paragraph right now to use as an example I would give it to you, but I can't. It doesn't come up that often.

Again, thank you for such wonderful advice.

:) Glad I could help. I should start posting questions too! It's a great idea!

Thank you, Elizabeth. Everyone has been so helpful on this site that I'm not afraid to ask anything. No one ever makes me feel like I've asked a dumb question. hee hee