Talk:The Spy Who Loved Me (novel)

"Viv"

Why does the article call the main female character "Viv" (first name) and the main male character "Bond" (second name)? I corrected this and was reverted by SchroCat with a summary referring to the MoS. Which part of the MoS does the editor believe recommends this usage? It just looks weird (and sexist) to me. John (talk) 16:13, 27 March 2025 (UTC)

It's normal practice to refer to fictional characters by their common names. Bond is almost always referred to as "Bond", rather than "James". Viv Michel is always referred to as "Viv", not "Michel". There is, obviously, nothing odd (or rather laughably, sexist) about this. - SchroCat (talk)

I see. So MOS:SURNAME is wrong then? John (talk) 16:26, 27 March 2025 (UTC)

Straw man. It's not about fiction: we're using it for the common name of a fictional character. - SchroCat (talk)

John's arguments, to use a kind word, amount to nothing. The MoS Guideline s/he quotes specifically says, "For fictional entities, use common names". I have had the honour to take The Importance of Being Earnest through FAC lately. Would John like us to rewrite the article to refer to Cecily as Cardew or Gwendolen as Fairfax? Pur-lease! An ounce of common sense from John on his or her part would be welcome here. Note also that Wikipedia:Naming conventions (people) specifically excludes fictional characters from its prescriptions. There is also the tiny matter of how the author refers to his characters, but no doubt John thinks s/he knows better. Tim riley talk 16:42, 27 March 2025 (UTC)