Writing famous people into a novel, anonymously
by Jennifer
(St. Paul, MN)
Question: I just stumbled on this fantastic site about 50 pages into my little mess of a novel, and have a question about a famous person being a character in a work of fiction.
I won't name any names, but one of my characters is modeled very closely after a famous (now deceased) individual. I want it to be somewhat obvious who his inspiration is, but I don't want to actually use his name, out of respect to his family and his memory, etc. - and also because there are some details of his personal life that are a bit inconvenient (i.e., he was happily married during the time I'm writing about him becoming romantically involved with someone else).
Is this more or less kosher from a legal standpoint? I was thinking of using a name with a similar "feel" to it, and making him just as famous in the book as he was in real life - and even the same occupation. Do I have to change the name of everything? For example, if the guy worked for the Ford Motor Company (he didn't - just an example), would I have to come up with some faux automotive company? If he invented the nose hair trimmer, do I instead say he invented an ear wax removal system?
I'm just thinking of that disclaimer you see sometimes at the end of a movie - how any similarities to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental. Uh huh. Sure they are!
A GIGANTIC thank you from the bottom of this humble writer's heart.
Answer: First, I am not a lawyer so don't take this as legal advice.
Political figures are generally fair game for this sort of thing. Other famous people can also be used, if you fictionalize them and change some details. A couple of examples off the top of my head: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express was inspired by the kidnapping of Charles Lindberg's son. The film, Citizen Kane, was based on the life of William Randolph Hearst.
Where you can get in trouble is if you use real names and defame a person so that you financially harm him/her or his/her heirs. Ditto for if you use real companies and say bad things about them, especially if untrue, so that you might cost them business. (A simple mention, on the other hand, is free advertising for them.)
It's always safer to fictionalize.
Comments for Writing famous people into a novel, anonymously
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
| site search by freefind |
Recent Postings
-
Plot planning when you are a pantser
Oct 14, 19 02:29 PM
Hi! I would like to know how do I plan the whole book when I don't know what is going to happen. I know the theme, I know what is happening now, but
-
Stories with no clear end goals.
Oct 07, 19 10:26 PM
Question: My story is set in a world where magic exists and is formally taught at schools. Everyone has mana in them. The story revolves around a commoner
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
