Post by Sea Wolf on Mar 28, 2013 11:00:21 GMT -5
[/center]Epithets
(Epithets are bolded, in case you're not sure what they are precisely.)
The lesson for today, class, is when to use epithets rather than names or pronouns — and when not to.
USE EPITHETS:
- When the character’s name is unknown, so there’s really no other way to refer to them:
One tall, gangling tom stood before the other in a rigid stance. "You got a problem, pal?" he asked. His foe just grinned.
- To draw attention to the role or function described:
Lilycloud was so excited to be sneaking out of camp for the first time with Russetfur. She'd never imagined she'd be so taken by her lover, that she'd actually break the rules.
DO NOT USE EPITHETS:
- To avoid using pronouns.
- To avoid using names.
- To remind the reader of physical characteristics you should’ve described elsewhere.
- To remind the reader of physical characteristics they already know perfectly well because they see your character on-screen and are probably relatively familiar with them already.
- To try to sound erudite or poetic.
- For any other stupid reason. I’m serious. I will come over there and hit you.
- I’m not kidding.
- Stop.
P.S. "the fae" is not and sHOULD NOT BE A THING.[/blockquote]