Naming Characters in Improv: Why It Matters

Names are so important, as I was gently reminded while writing this blog. Naming my kids might be the highest-pressure job I’ve ever had! But naming characters in improv, while lower stakes, can have a surprisingly big impact on your scenes and stories.

Why Give Characters Names in Improv?

I often see improvisers name the other person in a scene after their real name. It usually comes from a great place, you want to remember their name, you respect them, and you want to show that connection.

However, I encourage improvisers not to do this. When you want to play a mean character or a deeply emotional scene, using real names can blur the line between character and performer. Giving your characters distinct names keeps things clear for everyone, including the audience.

A name also helps with the suspension of disbelief. Once you’ve given someone a name or title, you’ve started defining the scene platform: who, what, and where. Depending on the name, you might even have done some world-building and character endowing.

In narrative improv, naming becomes essential for storytelling. If you want to mention an offstage character, bring someone back later, or juggle multiple characters, you’ll need clear names to keep everything straight.

Naming Characters and Gender

Names matter deeply to people, so it’s worth being thoughtful about the ones we give our fellow improvisers.

In Brighton, where I teach, we have a higher-than-average number of trans and non-binary students. To create an inclusive space, I keep a mental list of gender-neutral names handy. This allows improvisers to choose the gender of their own character. Especially helpful in drop-ins or unfamiliar groups.

Here are some gender-neutral names to try:
Sam • Chris • Alex • Charlie • Jordan • Lee • Max • Robin • Jamie • Pat • Sid • Terry/Teri

Cultural Awareness When Naming Characters

Be aware of cultural context too. Hollywood’s influence means we often default to Western names, even in international scenes.

When Jules and I toured with our duo show, we’d check with our hosts about local naming conventions. Using Paolo instead of Paul in Italy, or Jeanne instead of Jane in France, was always appreciated.

Also, consider how age and gender stereotypes show up through names or titles. Female improvisers often get cast as wives or mothers, and older performers as grandparents. Thoughtful naming can help shift these patterns.

Make Your Character Names Memorable

Something I’ve noticed: improvisers often default to the same old names. In my local community, everyone seems to name their characters “Marjorie” or “Derek.” It drives me a little nuts!

Think of some of the most memorable names in fiction and film:

Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings)
Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind)
Mirabel (Encanto)

These names evoke worlds, time periods, and personalities instantly.

A Fun Warm-Up: The Naming Game

Try this exercise with your improv group: pick a genre, role, or archetype, and have everyone come up with a character name that fits. It’s great for loosening up creativity and building a shared vocabulary.

A Wizard
Thalorin Veyne • Eldric Stormweaver • Lyssara Moonveil • Kaelthorn Duskwight • Fiora Starling

An Outer Space Bounty Hunter
Rax Veylor • Sora Kyne • Talon Korr • Nyx Draven • Juno Varek

A Lady of the Manor
Lady Vivienne Ashcroft • Cressida Montclare • Isolde Ravenshaw • Marguerite Everly • Eleanora Whitcombe

A Grizzled NY Detective
Vincent “Vince” Calloway • Ralph “Ralphie” Durkin • Dorothy “Dottie” Malone • Frankie Corrigan • Leo “Lucky” Santoro

A Little Girl in a Fairy Tale
Elowen Brightleaf • Isla Moonbrook • Liora Sunwhisper • Marigold Thistledown • Clara Willowmere

Remembering Names in Improv

Naming is one thing, remembering is another!

Repeat names often, especially when characters are first introduced. Forgetting or double-naming happens all the time, and audiences usually love watching improvisers make sense of it. (“Oh Bob is actually his surname! Of course!”)

If you’re unsure, just commit to a new name. The audience probably isn’t sure either, and you can’t tell your story if you don’t know who’s who.

Final Thoughts

Naming characters in improv might seem like a small thing, but it shapes your story, your connection, and your inclusivity on stage. Be thoughtful, be creative—and please, no more Marjories or Dereks!