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jhiz
It can also be used as a literary device unto itself. Fairy tales often do not name characters. The Woodsman, the Evil Queen, Prince Charming (cause, really, who names their kid Charming in that time period... it was a description not a name... now adays... well maybe *snort*)
March 25, 2017 12:09am

15599
And using the character names every time makes it feel like you're in a Dick and Jane book.
March 25, 2017 12:06am

jhiz
Eh... if you got multiple he's and she's in a scene, it gets way repetative and even down right confusing if you don't use descriptors for them. There are times when a pronoun won't cut it cause you won't know who is doing or saying something.
March 25, 2017 12:05am

Rebcake
Some people really dislike epithets — the blonde, the construction worker, the tall man — though. It's good to establish those things, but then to move on from them. You have a tall character? Have them brush the top of door frame once in a while, but you needn't continually describe them that way.
March 24, 2017 11:52pm

DeamonQueen
-Carrie-Ann- I got Giles! it was a fun test!
March 24, 2017 11:52pm

pfeifferpack
The blonde, the vampire, the Slayer and so on are fine, like Zab said as long as it's not continuous (or inaccurate like the mention earlier in the conversation where whoever it was referring to wasn't blond).
March 24, 2017 11:48pm

pfeifferpack
WOW yup, mind blown. Thanks for that share.
March 24, 2017 11:46pm

Rebcake
@HCB: Using a character's name is usually the best way to refer to them, IMO. I mean, not every line or you end up sounding like a Dale Carnegie enthusiast. But as a rule, it's easier on the reader to just use the name.
March 24, 2017 11:45pm

15599
Eh, I personally don't mind "the blond(e)" being used as long as it's not every single reference. There has to be a good balance between not being repetitive and not using too many different things. My ex would do weird things like spell a character's name differently.
March 24, 2017 11:38pm

javajunkie247
I thought so too. smile
March 24, 2017 11:38pm

Sigyn
That is awesome, javajunkie.
March 24, 2017 11:23pm

javajunkie247
Mind-blowing realization in 3...2...1 http://matt-the-blind-cinnamon-roll.tumblr.com/...is-on
March 24, 2017 11:13pm

sandy_s
Hmmm...that's a hard one without knowing who you're talking about...height, eye color, skin tone, mannerism, sound of voice, age?
March 24, 2017 11:07pm

HCB
Oops. I think that I used the blonde several times in my last chapter. What is another way of explaining that I am talking about one sister as opposed to the other without using their names when that is their main distinguishing feature? Any ideas?
March 24, 2017 11:05pm

killjoy
That happens in a lot of fandoms. There is always one characteristic of some character that just becomes overused in fics lol
March 24, 2017 10:49pm

slaymesoftly
ROFLMAO @ Flootzavut. That's hysterical.
March 24, 2017 09:32pm

flootzavut
You know how people have a horrible tendency to overuse epithets in fanfic? And how 'the blond' is one of those overused epithets? It's finally achieved critical mass: I just saw someone refer to 'the blond' in a scene in which *neither character is blond* 🤔😳😂
March 24, 2017 08:28pm

Aislenn
I think I found season 6 on amazon for $10 I'll have to get that when I get paid. I wish they'd have released a bluray special edition set for the anniversary or something.
March 24, 2017 08:24pm

Aislenn
I got Spike too, which surprises me. Lol. But I'll take it! That quiz was fun.
March 24, 2017 08:23pm

Sigyn
Still, those are some good seasons.
March 24, 2017 08:21pm

Aislenn
I only own seasons 2 and 7. I need to fill in the blanks. Thanks @offyourbird this makes me sad. I rewatch scenes all the time so I can refresh the sounds of characters voices in my head so when I read I can hear them accurately say what I'm reading. Also rewatch scenes referenced in fic often.
March 24, 2017 08:19pm

OffYourBird
Wow, i got Giles.... Huh. I did marry a guy 6 years older sooo... I'll accept it wink
March 24, 2017 08:16pm

Rezol87
I got Anya lol
March 24, 2017 08:07pm

yellowb
Huh. I got Willow too.
March 24, 2017 08:02pm

Cohava
I can never resist a quiz! Interestingly, I got Willow.
March 24, 2017 07:17pm

jhiz
Although I think he would prefer Cordy or Anya... he likes pushy... who would have guessed?
March 24, 2017 07:14pm

jhiz
hmm, I got Willow... My hubby would be up for her joining us *laugh*
March 24, 2017 07:13pm

-Carrie-Ann-
A bit of silly fun, I got Spike (woo whoo!):https://www.buzzfeed.com/...O4ZGN
March 24, 2017 06:47pm

OffYourBird
@Aislenn - they are! frown frown You can request for it to stay/be renewed under the help section, which a lot of us have done... Hopefully it'll make a difference!
March 24, 2017 06:27pm

pfeifferpack
Not at present but have had a variety of critters over the years. Currently only dogs.
March 24, 2017 06:14pm