Names and Ages

[Conz]

quick question.

I realized in the script I am writing I gave one character a last name, but no one else. Does that matter? Do last names really matter at all?

also, if i describe someone as "mid 20s" do I then have to assign everyone an age?

thanks.

[NoirDigits]

By no means am I an authoritative source, but I don't think it matters. With the age thing, try to be consistent I guess. Have a reason for specifying one age but not others.

With the name thing, do people primarily refer to that character by their first name or last name? Or both? I try to give my characters a first and last name, but sometimes if they have a nickname it isn't necessary.

Overall, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Conz]

I've always given my characters 2 names, but for the one I'm writing I just... didn't want to.

There's a good chance I go back and just pull last names out of my --- but for now I'm leaving it. I just want to know every little thing that is frowned upon in the slim slim slim chance someone noteworthy ever reads my stuff.

[Vance]

Some readers like to see last names, but the impression I get is that it doesn't greatly matter one way or the other. If you're good with fictitious names it can be a bit of a bonus, I think, but going with single names is never a deal-breaker.

In fact, some films and television that deal with questions of identity often have a theme of single-name characters (The Pretender's main character, searching for his family, never had a last name. The people chasing him never had first names). Food for thought.

As for ages, I also have no idea if you need to be consistent. Keeping ages in the ballpark as per your example ("mid-20s" or "young adult" as opposed to "24" or "26") is the best way to do it, though.

[ComicBent]

QUESTION:

quick question.

I realized in the script I am writing I gave one character a last name, but no one else. Does that matter? Do last names really matter at all?

also, if i describe someone as "mid 20s" do I then have to assign everyone an age?

QUICK ANSWER:
About names: The plot determines whether your character needs a last name. Remember that what the audience sees and hears is the only reality that the characters have. If last names do not have anything to do with the interactions in the plot, then the characters do not need them. In some cases, introductions (one character meeting another) would require a mention of a last name, even though the last name might have no further importance. It all arises from the plot.

About ages: Similarly, the plot determines whether ages are important. Usually a few of the characters are age-dependent. Romeo and Juliet is a different play without very young lovers. You do not have to be overly specific about the ages in most cases, even when ages are important. For example, 23 versus 25 is not normally an issue.