Hello,
I would like some advice on the pitfalls of mentioning an entertainer in my work of fiction.
Here is the situation:
The four girls in my novel go for an evening out at a ficticious local pub in Cornwall where the real entertainer is putting on a show.
The entertainer is not misrepresented but some of the lines he uses in his performances are quoted and some of the fictional characters are slightly offended while others enjoy the evening. The eppisode does not play a central role but it is a useful addition as the person who takes offence changes their opinion of one of the other fictional characters as a result of their reaction.
Am I right in thinking that as long as the real person is not misrepresented or taken out of context, I should not run accross any issues. I am happy to upload the chapter in question if it is thought I may run in to difficulties.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Regards
Keith
Jonathan, thank you for your reply. It was very helpful.
Based on what you've proposed, I think you'll be fine. In HF, the general rule is to deal with a real historical character in no more negative a manner as history has judged him. More positive is fine, more critical might be iffy.
Since you're mainly dealing with your fictional characters and the real character is secondary or lower, and you're using his words from a performance that's likely to be in the public domain, even though you need to consider the copyright of those words (if there is any) I doubt there'd be a problem with that, either.