Naming a Complicated Character: The Story Behind Bernice Rosin

When readers fall in love with a book, it’s often the main character who captures their hearts. Names like Mary or Anna or Eleanor can become endearing—etched into our memories as women we admire, root for, and maybe even see pieces of ourselves in.

But what happens when the protagonist isn’t so lovable?

What if she’s… the problem?

That’s the challenge I faced while writing Stealing Mr. Smith, the second book in The Smith Family series. The protagonist, Bernice Rosin, is a woman who breaks the mold of a traditional heroine—and naming her was no easy task.

The Complicated Art of Naming a Flawed Character

Naming characters is typically one of the most joyful parts of the writing process. Sometimes, it’s downright magical—like the skies part and the perfect name just floats down to the page.

But not with Bernice.

This character required something different. Something deliberate. Because Stealing Mr. Smith is written as a negative character arc, Bernice doesn’t emerge from her story wiser or redeemed. Instead, she falls deeper into her flaws—pursuing what she believes she wants, even as it leads her further from happiness.

And yet, she’s not a villain. She’s the protagonist and the obstacle, both at once.

That complexity demanded a name with strength. Bernice believes, fully and unapologetically, that she is the heroine of her own story. So I needed to find a name that carried weight—one that hinted at her inner determination, even if her choices were misguided.

The Search for "The One"

I tried many names. I walked. I brainstormed. I debated.

Each time I got close, I’d hit a snag: I couldn’t bring myself to name this difficult character after someone I knew personally. (Talk about awkward!) So my name pool shrank considerably.

Eventually, I landed on Bernice. A name that felt strong, assertive, and—importantly—one I had no personal ties to. It fit. It stuck. And from there, Bernice’s story began to take shape.

A gentle note to any Bernices out there: I’m sure you’re lovely! This character is entirely fictional—I promise.

Layers of Backstory and Nuance

To make Bernice believable, I invested heavily in her backstory. She needed a tough early life, the kind that would realistically shape her worldview and her ambitions. Her desire to be more than what she came from had to feel deeply embedded in her character—not simply a plot device.

I also gave her a nickname—Bernie—used only by close family members. That subtle touch served to soften her, to show readers she was loved, even if her path led her astray. It also created contrast with her younger sister, Patricia, affectionately known as Patty. Unlike Bernice, Patty’s nickname was used by everyone, mirroring her spunky, affectionate personality and inviting readers to connect with her easily.

Why Negative Arcs Matter

Negative character arcs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea—but I find them endlessly fascinating. Characters like Bernice challenge us. We may not like their choices, but we understand them. And in doing so, we learn something about human nature… and maybe about ourselves.

These characters still matter. Their stories are worth telling. And sometimes, it’s the messy ones who stay with us the longest.

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