Hey, guys, I just have a really quick question. I have a character named [name_f]Mary[/name_f]-[name_f]Alice[/name_f]. The book takes place in a small private southern college, so there are a lot of double names like [name_f]Mary[/name_f]-[name_f]Alice[/name_f] and I’m just not sure what the best way to write them is. Should I go with the hyphen so that it’s abundantly clear that it’s a double first name, or should I go with what I think most girls with double names actually have, and write it as [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f] with just a space? Thanks!
I think you’re fine going without the hyphen; I feel like most readers would catch on (if it’s not apparent right away). If at all possible, maybe give a paragraph or two using [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f] to a friend to read, and see if the tester understands its a double name. But I don’t think it’ll be an issue.
I think 99% of readers are smart enough to catch on that it’s a double name without the hyphen. If you’re consistent with calling her [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f], they should be able to grasp easily that it’s a double name.
Another good way to make sure people get it’s a double name would be to mention at least once her last name; have a teacher call her Miss “Last Name”. Then it’s pretty clear it’s a double name 