Hello everyone,
For me, book titles containing characters’ names immediately stand out. They tell you something about the story straight away, and in a lot of cases, inform you that the plot is going to revolve around that character.
It turns out I have read quite a number of these eponymous books, so I thought it was about time that I listed them.
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books are extremely popular and characterisation is where she truly excels. In all three of these examples, the character in the title is a force of nature in different ways – all complex and flawed, yet with compelling stories to tell. The storytelling is different for each book too, with Carrie written in first person, while Evelyn and Daisy are recounting their lives.
Thriller author Camilla Way also likes to include the names of characters in the titles of her books, but on each of these occasions neither are the main protagonist.
Children’s books are the most common genre in which characters are named in the title.
I like the alliteration in this particular title, and everything about it just shouts intrigue. It is fair to say that the book delivers on that promise!
One of the most famous examples of characters in the title. Of course, we never see Rebecca as she is already dead, but the title is apt because her presence lurks throughout its narrative.
Novels and retellings of Greek mythology very commonly feature their subjects in the title. Other than The Song Of Achilles, all of these are one-word titles which tell you which character’s story is being explored. Interestingly though, Ariadne and Elektra are both told from multiple perspectives.
One of my favourite examples. Two amazing characters and one emotional book.
What a fun title! I especially connected with Hani. It is also cool that there are illustrations of both characters on the cover.
These titles both refer to married women. The unusual thing is, Mrs Hancock does not exist at the beginning of the book while Mrs England is a rather elusive character compared to her husband.
This title emphasises the innovative concept of this story, where the main character Clover is a death doula and collects the last words of the dying.
Alex Lake is another author who likes a dramatic title with a character’s name. I did not enjoy Killing Kate though, so I have not read any of his other books.
Frannie Langton stands accused of killing her mistress and her husband. Here she tells her deeply powerful story.
Emily Wilde is a socially inept academic who wants to create an encyclopaedia of faeries. The title tells you all you need to know about what to expect!
This title reflects Felix wanting desperately to fall in love.
Rose is the victim of an accident and the woman responsible for her death wants to step into her life. It is an intriguing premise and the title does not allow you to forget the victim.
Emily Barr’s titles are some of the longest in the world of literature and with both these examples she adopts a similar technique. Flora is a girl who has short-term memory loss, and Ella is frequently trying to shut out her darker side.
This title has a bit of a double meaning. The main character is called Pandora, but it is also a reference to Pandora’s Box.
The maddening coincidence of the similarities between this title and that of Taylor Jenkins Reid has been spoken about extensively, but it stands out and instantly tells you it is a book worthy of your attention. The day of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death is relived seven times until Aiden Bishop can solve the mystery, and I loved every moment of it.
Esme is one of the most unique characters I have come across. This title gives her an air of mystery that proves rather fitting.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? What are your favourite books with the names of characters in the title? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 