#using epithets

[memento-morri-writes]

I saw a post one time (it’s reblogged on here somewhere) talked about when using epithets can be used for narrative effect, specifically for contrast, and the example they gave was for comedy. But it can be used for serious stuff too, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better example than this line from The Traitor Baru Cormorant that is going to be burned into my head forever:

“What about [the imperial soldiers]?”

“Cut their tendons. Let Cattlson drown in his own cripples,” said the Fairest Hand.

Like, holy fucking shit. “Said the Fairest Hand.” The Fairest Hand. Now that is how you use an epithet for contrast.

(I could be wrong but this might be the only time Baru is referred to as her epithet in the whole book. And if I am wrong, it’s certainly not a common occurrence. Seth Dickinson knows how to make his punches count.)

[randomishnickname]

If you ever feel nervous about overusing your character’s name and feel compelled to use epithets (the blond, the nurse, the other man, etc) instead, know this:

I’ve just read an excellent 100K fanfic. The two main charachters’ names have been used over 1,000 times each. Not a single epithet in sight. Did it bother me while reading? Not a single second.

Of course this might be harder to pull off if your characters are called, say, Kilimandjaro and Genevieve-Gwendolyn than if they’re called Max and Bob, but still. Use your character’s name as often as you like. It’ll bother noone.