Fanfiction Cliches (and Where to Find Them)

Cliche #2 - I Hate My Name!

Cliche:
Almost every fanfiction character you come across is just as likely to have an old-fashioned name as an exotic one - and they hate it.

Example:
Hi there. My name is Gertrude Prudence Chastity Martha von Amish... aND I hATe iT!!1!1

Why it's a cliche:
I know there are a lot of people in this world who are a bit unhappy with their names (like me and my real name), but you can't really do anything about it until you're older, so no point complaining now.

And also, a character hating their name and always making that fact known to EVERYONE doesn't make them cool or rebellious or special - it just makes them annoying.

In My Own Words:
The man stopped laughing. "Can you at least tell me your name so I can find you, just in case you decide to come?"

"My name is Kevin," I said. "Well, actually, I'm my name is Kelvin, but no one ever calls me that."

The above excerpt is from my latest Beatles fanfiction, Exposing Kevin Clark. And Kevin, if you're so upset about people calling you "Kevin", then why not ask them nicely if they could start calling you "Kelvin" instead? It's your birth name after all.

* * * *

The man's smile grew wider. "What's your name, love?"

"Anne. Anne Lawson," I replied. "Well, actually Anastasia, but I hate that name."

I know I've already used this My Thin White Duke example already, but my point still stands.

* * * *

"Very lovely." I sighed wistfully. "Both you and your cat have wonderful names. Mine is just plain and ordinary. Nothing special at all."

"No, it's not!" Serenity said quickly. "Georgia is a beautiful name!"

This is an excerpt from A Bit More of You, and Serenity's right: Georgia is a beautiful name! It's beautiful because it's the name your mum gave you, Georgia; she put thought and feeling into it. So you better be grateful and flaunt it!