Looking for a name for a fictional character

1. Use the wrong name on purpose rule
   A character named Henry who hates being called Henry tells you everything.
2. Use a regional name rule
   Tells the reader where they're from without saying.
3. Use a generation marker rule
   Karen reads young or old depending on era.
4. Avoid alliteration in protagonists rule
   Peter Parker works. Marcus Mason doesn't.
5. Avoid name-meaning research rule
   Readers don't care that 'Sophia' means 'wisdom.' Pick by sound.
6. Use last names as first names sparingly rule
   It's a tic. Easy to overdo.
7. Avoid ridiculous fantasy spellings rule
   Khaela's not a name. Khaela's a typo.
8. Use a nickname only the friends use rule
   Reveals relationship dynamics.
9. Names should sound like the world rule
   A novel set in 1880 Bolivia shouldn't have a Tyler.
10. Test it spoken rule
    If your reader stumbles when reading aloud, the name's not done.