Changing antagonist

[cptwentworth]

I'm almost finished with something where the antagonist "unit" is the name of something that I've noticed has been coming up in the press lately and a movie to boot this summer. Should I change my antagonist's name to avoid being thought of as riding the bandwagon on this? This name comes and goes throughout the press over the years.

[Judg]

It's hard to judge with such a vague description, but it sounds like a good idea to change it. Who wants to look like a lame copycat for no good reason?

[maestrowork]

The Illuminati or the Freemasons? ;)

If it's a well known organization, then I'm not sure if you need to change it if you have a unique take. It grounds your novel instead of just some made-up name. I mean, lots of movies and novels used the Freemasons... I'm sure they're getting a kick out of being the bad guys all the time.

[Chasing the Horizon]

I wouldn't change it. But I'm stubborn like that.

[Danthia]

If it bothers you and you'll worry about it, change it. If not, leave it. If the story is good, the name won't matter. Names can always be changed and agents know that.

[heretic_scribe]

I really hate it when this happens. It's happened to me a few times. I changed it once, but not the second and third times. I think it depends on how prominently the name is featured in the media. From your description, I'd guess that you should probably change it, unless you can spin it to your advantage as a marketing ploy! ;)