A Poll about a new MC's name:
Added 2025-03-05 18:41:34 +0000 UTCHi folks! Recently I posted a little poll on my Discord but only got a dozen or so responses. I figured I'll try here, and open it to everyone to get the most feedback possible. I'm planning my next project... Well, if I'm honest, I've been writing my next project in my "free" time. It's still early days and I won't talk about it much here, 'cause I'm just not ready to yet.
Anyway, the MC right now is named "Andy," a name I've always liked, but that's probably because I've known a few cool guys named Andy in my life. A friend of mine mentioned that some people might not identify with that name for an MC, as it's not really the typical "Zack" or "Jake" or, you know, tough-sounding name that people in the LitRPG/Fantasy genre tend to like.
Now, don't judge my friend; he's another author and he was just talking in terms of reaching the broadest market possible.
For reasons to do with the title, I kind of want to stick with an "A" name, so I guess, if people thought I should change it, the internet says "Alex" is considered a strong name.
Anyway, here's the poll:
Comments
Can’t believe nobody said Adam.
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2025-03-09 09:02:41 +0000 UTCAh. Surprisingly few people supported Andy (64%). Just don't do a JK Rowling and name the character based on their defining traits. 😂 (Victor is fine because it foreshadowed stuff more than anything.)
Reno
2025-03-06 22:55:56 +0000 UTCFuck it, I'll vote Andy because I want to see how many voted Alex, and there's no way I can contribute more here on a story you know so much more about. 🫠
Reno
2025-03-06 22:48:25 +0000 UTCAnd I'm not speaking for the audience here, but if after a few dozen chapters the name simply doesn't match the rhythm, maybe it would be best to pick a different name.
Reno
2025-03-06 22:46:39 +0000 UTCIt goes without saying, but if you change your mind about the character you want to write, it would make sense to change the name too.
Reno
2025-03-06 22:44:15 +0000 UTCI can't see the votes without voting, and I can't vote because both Andy and Alex are fine. It really depends on the kind of story. Andy doesn't project STRENGTH like the more masculine names, but who's to say that projecting STRENGTH is what you're after? There are so many LitRPGs which ONLY project strength that I don't think the problem is with the masculine names, but that those stories follow such similar rhythms. I don't know what your writing process is like, but names shape us, and the name you choose can shape how you see the character. (Even if not in an expected way) Unless the name is bad for meta reasons, go with the name you have in your head because that will be the closest to the character you want to write. Anyway... Both Andy and Alex are fine. It really depends on what you plan to do with them.
Reno
2025-03-06 22:42:56 +0000 UTCreading multiple books where characters are named Sera, then there's also a popular author named Seras
Alley
2025-03-06 18:32:32 +0000 UTCNell!!! ;)
uhhhhhhhhhh...
2025-03-06 18:17:53 +0000 UTCWell I guess it Depends on the Charter Background, like a A name Avanti, but that may be Italian, I like the name Dexter but there are many fictional creatures by that name. So depends on background Damon is a bit ominous. like Dameon, more light Hearted Like Herbert ot Frank. lots of names to consider.
MIchael Thomas Morton
2025-03-06 16:01:07 +0000 UTCI’m not a native speaker so either name… but i would like to point out that you probably don’t want to name your MC « everyotherLITRPGmc ». Seems kinda forgettable
Samityaou
2025-03-06 11:32:54 +0000 UTCI do tend to think of Toy Story when I hear the name Andy, but I still it’s fine. Let Andy be the one to redefine the association with it being cool.
IndyBart
2025-03-06 10:03:32 +0000 UTCDo you boo! It's your book. If it's a semi-tribute to all the dope ass Andys out there don't change it. I find that while I'm reading, even if I originally don't like the name of the MC, it's like meeting a new person. How good the writing is is how well the first impression went. It changes my opinion on the name. Like you and the name Andy.
Joshua Aarons
2025-03-06 06:19:20 +0000 UTCArther or Arthus
Dustin Hall
2025-03-06 05:22:17 +0000 UTCAlex was used in another lit rpg. Depending on your background for the MC how about Alvise?
RW
2025-03-06 00:54:46 +0000 UTCSir Wiggles the Scourge of the Cosmos
joel hernandez
2025-03-06 00:45:01 +0000 UTCCorbin, Marcus, Ahmadu, Jamal, Darius, Marius, Devon, Antoni, Andre. I kinda want to get on my soap box here, though you are probably the least suseptible author to this habit. Ethnic names are always a valid choice. I would prefer to see more of those in media and see more representation as well. I'm an Afrocuban man in his mid 30s and It's only recently that I've seen real representation of those that look or even sound like me. Victor is an amazing example of this because of his Central American roots and the push for Central American mythology as his power set. More of that please!
Chioke Nelson
2025-03-06 00:24:21 +0000 UTCMorgan
a passing Fnord
2025-03-05 22:50:06 +0000 UTCSo many names resonate with who you’ve known. Like for me Cathy has a near 100% rate of being a fat chick, but there’s plenty others who feel as strongly the opposite way. I’m meh on Andy but my point is when u get to know the Andy you’ll be writing that will change to something positive…I was gonna suggest a diff name but go with what feels right
Johnny
2025-03-05 22:20:17 +0000 UTCI think the most important thing is that the name fits the character. To me, Andy is a name that fits guys who are maybe slightly awkward, aloof, but generally friendly. Reliable people who might be clumsy, typically red hair. I expect them to be slightly larger physical characters. I’d say it’s a relatively uncommon name (not many Andrews choose to go by Andy), so most people might only know one Andy or have seen him in Parks and Rec (I think that was Chris Pratt’s character, right?)
Mason
2025-03-05 22:19:42 +0000 UTCI can't agree with this enough, we'll phrased.
HellSent
2025-03-05 22:02:05 +0000 UTCI was die-hard on the Andy team, but if it can't be Andy I would hands down read a book about Ape strongman without even looking much further.
HellSent
2025-03-05 22:01:07 +0000 UTCImo, I can identify with it more. At my work there was a time we had an Andy, Andrew, and Drew. Its s bit more unique name in a book then a "typical" stronk guy name. It's the book that makes the name. Cloud isn't a stronk name but you don't think of a chump when you think of him. I think its good to stand out from the crowd. Brand recognition.
HellSent
2025-03-05 21:57:34 +0000 UTC🤣😬🤣
Plum Parrot
2025-03-05 21:55:58 +0000 UTCYour friend was fucking with you.
Ryan Linus
2025-03-05 21:51:06 +0000 UTCCool names - just not sure they fit my character :) So weird how mental this is, lol
Plum Parrot
2025-03-05 21:05:16 +0000 UTCHow about Atlas, or Aiden
Leonardojavi
2025-03-05 21:02:30 +0000 UTCIt's not an MC name until you make it one. Be the change you want to see in the world
Flinxie
2025-03-05 20:54:52 +0000 UTCJust throwing this out their i haven’t seen a mc in a litrpg named Evan before just my two cents
evan maples
2025-03-05 20:26:38 +0000 UTCWhat is in a name..., right but first impressions are still a lttile important. While Alex might mean somthing like defender, if I remember right, Andy is a fine name. And if it helps you think of the character you want to create then that is far more valuable imho
Robin
2025-03-05 20:24:50 +0000 UTCI mean, I’d read it either way? Can’t recall having read a litrpg story with either name. Maybe if the character uses their full name? Andrew, Andres, etc, all sound more… serious? than Andy.
Omar Jimenez
2025-03-05 20:16:12 +0000 UTC🤔
Omar Jimenez
2025-03-05 20:08:10 +0000 UTCIf you think Andy fits how you imagine them to be then keep it. If Andy is the name that sparks your creative joy to want to dive in and explore their story then keep it. I think that’s what people will feel in your writing rather than a name. I enjoy reading many books with names that my culture has no identity attached to them.
Potato
2025-03-05 20:02:19 +0000 UTCAndrus
Ryan Cowan
2025-03-05 19:56:53 +0000 UTCVictor is my favorite name in the ones im currently reading. Thats because i imagine him as Victor the victor, standing in a colosseum full-on glory mode.
Exaiter
2025-03-05 19:51:38 +0000 UTCHonestly - the more unique the name, the more likely I am to remember the character. And I have more litrpgs with Alex than Andy on my mind right now. Do with that what you will :)
ConstantWonder
2025-03-05 19:48:57 +0000 UTCAlastair
Jacky Boy
2025-03-05 19:46:12 +0000 UTCUnique names that look normal are better. Reading several books with similar names can get confusing.
John Donovan
2025-03-05 19:28:45 +0000 UTCI actually prefer atypical names. There are plenty of Jack, James, Jimmy and shit out there.
Fortunis
2025-03-05 19:12:05 +0000 UTCYou can always shorten it to D lol.
N0ct3m
2025-03-05 19:10:56 +0000 UTCYep January is great. ;) It's reassuring that you still like her because I'm waiting with baited breath for the next book on KU. I haven't started Neon Dust but it's on my list. The synopsis didn't grab me right off, but I'm on a female MC kick so I've been reading a lot of SCS fanfic etc. I will get to it though. As for poll, Alex is tougher than anything ending in a 'y' imo.
Non Sequiter
2025-03-05 19:09:03 +0000 UTCJuliet is probably my favorite character so far. Don't tell Victor! Anyway, have you read Neon Dust yet? I'm still working hard on that one and half of it is from a female POV. I'm sure I'll write another book with a female MC soon, regardless. Sometimes that's just what the story calls for.
Plum Parrot
2025-03-05 19:05:29 +0000 UTCI'm just bummed it's not a female MC. Lucky is one of my favorite protagonists.
Non Sequiter
2025-03-05 19:01:28 +0000 UTCHaha, that was one of my first thoughts, too. As for what it is . . . gimme some time to make sure I'm actually gonna finish it before I start blabbing :D
Plum Parrot
2025-03-05 18:52:12 +0000 UTCIts your story your pick. If you see the character as an Andy than their an Andy but if you are looking for different A names than i have a few: Ari, Aubry, Arden, Arlo, or Archer are a few of my suggestions.
BJ
2025-03-05 18:49:16 +0000 UTCApe Strongman Honestly cant think of that many on A 😅 first that comes to mind beside Alex would be Alaster, straight outta MotD. Thought Andy sounded pretty 'new' and allright, im not one who puts a lot of weight on names.
Exaiter
2025-03-05 18:48:21 +0000 UTCFor real tho, Andy's a fine name for an MC imo
maximum0428
2025-03-05 18:47:22 +0000 UTCAndy? Ah I see you're writing a toy story fic now 😂
maximum0428
2025-03-05 18:47:06 +0000 UTCVoted for Andy, "tough" names honestly just start blurring together after awhile. There like 5 books I read were MC was basically the same name. Now what can ya tell us about the new project? Cause I am interested already. Haha
Hammy
2025-03-05 18:45:04 +0000 UTC
