What's In A Name?

[eastandalchemy]

I actually never noticed that the protagonist didn't have a name until I went to write my review. I think the lack of a name makes the protagonist feel more relatable, as if he could be a neighbor, a friend, or even the reader themself.

[nefitzgerald]

Funny thing is that I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't notice the main character doesn't have a name until I had to write the review lol.

Ditto. I did exactly the same and then went back to skim through the book again, trying to find his name

[PetraWelch]

Maybe the idea was that by not giving the protagonist a name, the readers would not view themselves as completely separate from this character. Instead of immediately judging them for their actions, readers would put themselves in their shoes and feel the emotions instead of simply observing them.

[habsfan212]

I guess I don't really see what would have been the impact of having a name for the protagonist. Like some of you said, I guess it makes him more relatable, but I don't know, maybe it's me, but I read like it was a diary or something, so if he started it with My name is John, I don't think it would have changed anything.

[Lexiem]

I think that by not adding a name, the reader's focus is focused only on the character's actions instead of assumptions made based on the name.

[Kristin Ransome]

It seems like leaving the name out allows the reader to impose no preconceptions on the protagonist, and forces them to form their opinions solely on his actions and thoughts! Intriguing idea though...

[Tavaiel26]

The main protagonist is also the author, the story is a real one. However, I think you have a solid point from a self-reflection point of view.

I felt the same. As you read through it does feel as if the author is giving you the tools to seamlessly be the protagonist yourself, by not forcing his name on the protagonist. Whether it was deliberate or not, I find it clever nonetheless.

[Bookreviwer2020]

The book was written in the first person so I guess for that reason we are not given his name. Could have used another character to address him however.

[Bluecobia]

A protagonist without a name does present an interesting problem for a reviewer. However , I don't think that it detracts from the character or the plot in this case.

[Ivana Tomaš]

I think not knowing the name of the main character gives a dose of mysticism. I have not read the book, but I find it funny to read the comments of others and see that some have not noticed that the character in the book has no name.

[Ivana Tomaš]

I think that by not adding a name, the reader's focus is focused only on the character's actions instead of assumptions made based on the name.

I agree with you!

[Mallory Porshnev]

I think this style of not giving a character a name is just that, a style. Especially when told from the perspective of that character, it's less likely they will introduce themselves. Perhaps the author is writing from his or her own position and really identifies with the character.

[Neha Puri]

Yes, there was no name. But it doesn't make any difference in the story.

[Radhika_puri]

Yes, there was no name for the main protagonist. But I don't think It makes any difference. Because the story keeps going as it will with the name. Maybe the name can give us an image of a person. But the author doesn't want us to make out own image of the character.

[Ariely 20]

I think that the lack of a name would be to allow the reader become a part of the story of they want to and participate in the adventures .