Characters Have Names

Everyone has a name, but most people have at least two: a first, or given name, and a family name. First names are usually chosen by the parents. Their choice is limited by guidelines imposed by the parent's culture. Guidelines have greatly varied between cultures and time periods but names easily travelled from country to country.

Because a name is a sequence of letters, it normally means something. In ancient cultures people had nicknames, that is their name was a word that reminded others of the bearer's appearance, character, occupation or social class. For example, Cameron (crooked nose), Paula (small), Dolores (sorrow), Taylor (Tailor), Patricia (noble), are such names. In the middle ages the names chosen were invariably connected with religion. At later times, names became associated with plants, animals, objects or ideas. It is also important to note that names also have connotations—they imply or suggest ideas through words or through the character of previous bearers of the name.

The Locked Drawer

The first chapter of the novel I am working on now, could also stand on its own—as a short story. Its meaning and theme here, are somewhat more general than what will develop in the novel. Here it's more like a song. I am sure you will enjoy it.

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He always kept his desk drawer locked.

It's not a crime. Many people do. Some have no reason at all. Look in, and all you will find are staples and rubber bands. Others have a vague one. They keep their cheque book and the odd paper that must be hidden. But a desk drawer is not the place a man should normally keep his valuables or important secrets. It is in plain view and usually easy to break open. The very first place a burglar would visit. No. Important documents, valuables, even petty cash are best kept out of sight—in a hidden safe, or better still, a safety deposit box in a bank vault.

Dad had both. He kept his cheque book, petty cash and his daily valuables in a small safe, somewhere in his bedroom closet. His deeds, stocks and real valuables were in his safety deposit box. I knew exactly what was in each of these two places because I had access to them.

It was the inside of his desk drawer I had never seen.