Why is it so difficult to find a fitting name for your character? Sometimes, all it takes is looking through baby name websites or your friends list, but what if they're from a certain time period? What about the characters who don't fit any of the names your finding? What if you want to be different without being absurd?
If someone walked into your house (invited, of course) and said they wanted to be your main character, let's say you nodded excitedly and said, "Sure! Let's do it." Would you start writing right away? Or would you get to know your volunteer more so you could create a character who portrays them well?
We want to have unique characters, so the person or creature we write out is not always based on a friend or family member, or even ourselves. But if we don't have someone to listen to and analyze, how can we create a solid and unique character with dimension and purpose?