good last names for short stories

Well, Jones is a good option. It's simple and widely recognized, so readers can easily focus on the character's actions rather than getting distracted by a complex name. Then there's Thorne. It has a sharp and edgy sound to it, suitable for a character who might be a bit prickly or has to face difficult situations. Also, Rivers is a great last name. It can evoke a sense of fluidity, change, and connection, which can be used in various types of short stories.

One way is to look at real - world name trends from different cultures. For instance, in Scandinavian cultures, names like Lars or Astrid are popular. If your story has a touch of mystery, you might choose names that have a certain enigma to them, like Raven for a last name. You could also play with name meanings. If your character is kind - hearted, a name like Grace could be used for the first name.

Brown. This last name gives a warm and down - to - earth feeling. A Teacher Mrs. Brown might be that kind - hearted teacher who always helps her students in a small - town - based story.

Smith. It's a very common last name, which can give a sense of universality and relatability to a character in a story. For example, a character named John Smith could be an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

Smith. It's a very common and versatile last name that can fit into various story settings, whether it's a modern-day story or a historical one.

Williams. It's a classic and versatile last name. You can use it for a variety of story settings, whether it's a historical drama or a modern-day romance. A girl named Williams can be portrayed as strong - willed and independent.

Sure. Frost is a great last name. It can give a cold, distant feel, perhaps for a character who is emotionally detached or has a frosty relationship with others. Another is Reed. It has a slender, flexible connotation, which could be used for a character who is adaptable. Then there's Vale. It gives a sense of a secluded place, like a valley, and can be used for a character who is a bit of an outsider or has a secret place in their heart.

Smith. It's a very common last name, which can make the character seem ordinary and relatable at first glance, but it can also be used to subvert expectations in the story. For example, a character named Mr. Smith could turn out to have a very extraordinary secret life.

Blackwood. This last name has a bit of a mysterious and spooky feel to it, perfect for a horror or mystery story. You could have a character like the reclusive Mr. Blackwood who lives in an old, creaky mansion.

Gray. This last name can convey a sense of ambiguity. A character named Mr. Gray could be someone who is not clearly good or bad, adding depth to the story. For instance, in a political thriller, he could be a key figure whose motives are hard to decipher.