Spencer Lanoue
Finding the perfect title for a play can feel as daunting as naming a child. It's your creation, after all, and you want its name to sing, to stick in people's minds, and to encapsulate the essence of your story. Let's break it down together and explore how to craft a play title that not only captures the heart of your work but also piques curiosity and invites audiences to discover what lies within.
Think About the Core Theme
Your play's title should reflect its core theme, providing a glimpse into the story's heart. Ask yourself, "What's my play really about?" Is it love, betrayal, survival, or redemption? The theme doesn't have to be spelled out directly but should be subtly hinted at in the title. For example, Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" immediately tells us that the theme revolves around mortality and the human condition within a capitalist society.
Consider brainstorming a list of words or phrases that resonate with the themes in your play. Use these as building blocks for your title. Remember, your title doesn't have to be literal. Metaphors can be powerful. For instance, Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" uses a literal streetcar as a metaphor for the journey of longing and desire.
Character Names: To Use or Not to Use?
Sometimes, the main character's name is the perfect title because their journey is the play's focal point. Think "Hamlet" or "Hedda Gabler." However, naming your play after a character can set a specific tone or expectation. It often suggests a character-driven narrative where the focus is on personal transformation or conflict.
But what if your play is more ensemble-based or thematic? In such cases, a character's name might not capture the broader scope of your story. For example, "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams might have been less intriguing as "Tom Wingfield."
Consider whether your character's name holds enough weight or intrigue to carry the title. If not, perhaps a thematic or symbolic title is more fitting.
The Power of a Single Word
Single-word titles can be incredibly striking. They're memorable, punchy, and often carry a lot of weight. Think of plays like "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley or "Macbeth" by Shakespeare. A single word can encapsulate the entire narrative's tension or theme.
The challenge is finding that one word that perfectly captures the essence of your play. It should be evocative and open to interpretation, leaving room for curiosity. Test different words by saying them aloud. Do they feel right? Do they resonate with the play's mood?
Keep in mind that while single-word titles can be powerful, they're not always the best fit. If your play has multiple layers or complex themes, consider a title that gives more context.
Playing with Metaphors
Metaphors in titles can create an air of mystery and intrigue. They invite the audience to explore the deeper meanings behind the story. A metaphorical title can convey a theme or sentiment without giving too much away. Think of "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller. A title that symbolizes both a severe test and the heated environment of the Salem witch trials.
When brainstorming metaphorical titles, consider the symbols and motifs within your play. Is there an object, phrase, or concept that represents the central conflict or theme? A well-chosen metaphor can enhance the play's thematic depth and resonate on multiple levels.
Metaphors also offer the flexibility to play with language creatively. A metaphorical title can be poetic, mysterious, or even humorous, depending on the tone of your play.
Consider the Genre
Your play's genre can inform the tone of your title. A comedic play might benefit from a light-hearted or witty title, while a drama might need something more serious or poignant. For example, "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn is a comedic play with a title that suggests chaos and humor.
Think about how your title sets expectations for the audience. A title like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" suggests whimsy and fantasy, immediately aligning with its comedic, magical nature. On the other hand, "Long Day's Journey Into Night" by Eugene O'Neill prepares the audience for a more somber, introspective experience.
Understanding your genre helps ensure your title aligns with the audience's expectations and the play's overall tone.
Find Inspiration in the Script
Your script is a treasure trove of potential title ideas. Dialogue, monologues, and stage directions often contain phrases or words that resonate with the play's themes. Pay attention to recurring motifs, striking imagery, or pivotal lines that capture the essence of your story.
For instance, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee takes its title from a playful line within the play, which also reflects its underlying themes of fear and identity. Similarly, you might find a line that encapsulates your play's conflict or emotional core.
Revisit your script with fresh eyes, and highlight potential title candidates. Sometimes, the perfect title is hidden in plain sight.
Test Your Title
Once you've settled on a potential title, test it out. Share it with friends, fellow playwrights, or trusted mentors. Ask for their impressions and see if the title resonates with them. Does it intrigue them? Does it give them a sense of what the play might be about?
Consider how the title looks and sounds. Is it easy to pronounce and spell? Does it have a rhythm or cadence that feels right? A title that's challenging to say or remember might not stick with your audience.
Remember, your title is often the first impression of your play. It should create curiosity and invite the audience to delve deeper into your story.
Revise and Refine
Like any creative process, finding the perfect title often involves revision. Don't be afraid to tweak or change your title if it doesn't sit right. Sometimes, the initial idea evolves as the play develops, requiring a title that better fits the final product.
Revisiting your title after some time away can offer a fresh perspective. You might find that a slight adjustment in wording or emphasis changes the entire feel of the title.
Ultimately, your title should feel like a natural extension of your play. It should capture the heart and soul of your work in just a few words.
How Spell Can Help
As you navigate the delicate art of titling your play, Spell offers a unique advantage in the creative process. Our AI-powered document editor can help you brainstorm and refine title ideas, offering fresh perspectives and suggestions that align with your play's themes and tone.
With Spell, you can seamlessly draft, edit, and polish your play, saving time and effort. Our intuitive platform allows you to collaborate with others, receive feedback in real time, and refine your work to perfection. Whether you're brainstorming titles or finalizing your script, Spell is here to support your creative journey.
Final Thoughts
Crafting the perfect play title is an art in itself, requiring creativity, introspection, and a touch of intuition. Whether you lean into themes, characters, or metaphors, your title should reflect the essence of your story. And if you're looking for a tool to streamline the writing process, Spell can help you turn your ideas into a polished script with ease. Remember, your title is the gateway to your play's world. Make it inviting.
