: Re: Should the narrator use pseudonyms in writing? I have characters who have to use false names. Should the narrator use their real name or false name? For example, if person A was being called

@Nimeshi163

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The narrator should normally use the real name and be consistent with the usage.

Have a look at the question Would it be cheating to change the main character's “name” partway through the story? for an idea of how changing the name midway through the story can be done and discussions about whether this is a good idea or not. But note that the author in that case only wants to switch the name once.

If the narrator should know about the real name he should normally use that one. You can then explain what each fake name means that Archie created and why certain people are calling him Adam. Especially if you are planning to use multiple fake names, such as Archie being called Adam by people in his school and Bert by people in his sports club and Dean when talking with strangers on the internet.

Comparing it to your username might help you to visualize this. My friends and family wouldn't call me Secespitus in real life. Even if they know this name that I have given myself as a sort of fake identity, it wouldn't occur to them to use this name if there was not a compelling reason to do so.

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