Captain Jack Sparrow
Think about his name.
Captain.
He's the boss. You know right away. End of discussion.
Jack.
Jack Be Nimble
Jack of All Trades
Jack the Ripper
Jack Kennedy
Just Jack
And the list goes on.
Jack is his first name. Who he is. His essence.
With a wide range of Jacks, think of all the variations and layers that can be added to a character by using a simple name with a built-in history of sorts.
Sparrow.
A small bird with a melodic song.
Captain Jack Sparrow was but one man on a huge sea.
Yet his voice, his words, captivated all he met . . . one way or another.
I've read that Johnny Depp based his characterization of Sparrow on Keith Richards. After I read that, I could see how his translation of the character played out. He did a great job.
As writers, we don't have a Johnny Depp to interpret the characters who populate our stories. It's our job to make our characters feel just as much alive for our readers as Depp's portrayal of Sparrow felt to viewers. How readers view a character can begin with a single name.
Next time you name a character, remember Captain Jack Sparrow.
And choose your name wisely.
Captain.
He's the boss. You know right away. End of discussion.
Jack.
Jack Be Nimble
Jack of All Trades
Jack the Ripper
Jack Kennedy
Just Jack
And the list goes on.
Jack is his first name. Who he is. His essence.
With a wide range of Jacks, think of all the variations and layers that can be added to a character by using a simple name with a built-in history of sorts.
Sparrow.
A small bird with a melodic song.
Captain Jack Sparrow was but one man on a huge sea.
Yet his voice, his words, captivated all he met . . . one way or another.
I've read that Johnny Depp based his characterization of Sparrow on Keith Richards. After I read that, I could see how his translation of the character played out. He did a great job.
As writers, we don't have a Johnny Depp to interpret the characters who populate our stories. It's our job to make our characters feel just as much alive for our readers as Depp's portrayal of Sparrow felt to viewers. How readers view a character can begin with a single name.
Next time you name a character, remember Captain Jack Sparrow.
And choose your name wisely.
Comments
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
The best story I ever heard about that movie was when the writers were told that there was going to be not one but two sequels they were absolutely panic stricken. Why? Because, as they explained, they had used up every bit of 'pirate stuff' they could think of in the first movie. They figured this was their one chance to write a pirate movie.
Joanne - It is a good tool, one I should use more - LOL.
Karen - Probably so :)
Talli - Can't you! There's a fine line there.
I will check this film out. Maybe am the only person today who is clueless about Jack Sparrow.
Get out more, Patti!!!
Lydia - I agree. Imagine the character with any of these actors playing the role:
Tom Cruise
Brad Pitt
Harrison Ford
Clint Eastwood
Patti - Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp, is the lead character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The first one is Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Come chill with us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Helen - Didn't he! See my comment to Lydia above - LOL.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Ann - You made my day! I'm happy to have written something you find useful. Thank you :)
Maryann - So have I. And sometimes with even the best intentions, the name still doesn't work. And I change it again.
Arlee - I rarely model characters after people I know, but I have stolen their names.
Thanks for reminding us about the importance of the name.
My favorite Depp role so far has been Ed Wood. He wasn't a fantastical character like in so many of his films and his portrayal was done with such optimism that I always picture Depp with that dreamy far away expression of anything is possible--it made me believe and for me that was real character magic.
Lee
Tossing It Out