Frankly, My Dear…

Since we’re on the topic of fictional characters and names (Betty Crocker), I thought I’d mention a famous fictional character that went through a rather significant name change. There are plenty of fictional characters that have gone through name changes mid-plot as a result of some life-transforming change (Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader in Star Wars or Gandalf the Grey becoming Gandalf the White in Lord of the Rings). But I know of one rather famous fictional character that went through a name change prior to the book even being published.

The infamous Scarlett O’Hara was originally developed by author Margaret Mitchell with the name, Pansy O’Hara. In fact, Ms. Mitchell even considered naming the book “Pansy” as well. I don’t understand the fascination with the name, but thankfully, the publisher, MacMillan, suggested a name change. He didn’t think that the name “Pansy” would accurately reflect the shrewd, feisty character. Believe it or not, the right name is even crucial for fictional characters. And picking the right name for fictional characters can be just as difficult as picking them for real people. Margaret Mitchell is noted to have spent months trying to find a new name – she considered everything from Nancy, Peggy, and even Margaret, before finally settling on Scarlett. Getting Scarlett’s name right was an important first step for one of the most successful novels in history. Gone With the Wind continues to sell thousands of copies even today.

Karen Grigsby Bates talked about the character, Scarlett O’Hara, in an All Things Considered episode. She noted that “Margaret Mitchell once said Gone with the Wind‘s overriding theme could be boiled down to one word: ‘survival.’” She continues (and I certainly agree) that although Scarlett O’Hara is a complicated and complex character, she is most definitely a survivor. With a name like Scarlett, what else could she be?