Hi all. I'm about three-quarters of the way through my first novel (chick-lit), I'm having a great time writing it and all seems to be going well so far. I've just started to get a little concerned about the legal side of things... I have a fictional male character of whom I have completely invented his life history, physical description, actions in the story. But, I'm worried that he resembles a real person who I know. Essentially, the similarities between my fictional character and my real life friend are that they are the same age, both have tattoos and they have the same job (a fairly niche job) and these elements are all essential to the plot and not changeable. All other elements of his character and appearance are totally different and the romantic story line is entirely fictional and not related to the real life person at all. Perhaps if you knew my real life friend, in his work setting, you would think it is a depiction of him, even though I know that this is not the case, but there is no getting around this as the plot is based around his largely based around his job. Am I just being over cautious to be concerned about this, from a legal point of view? In the story I don't refer to any specific real incidents involving him and his character is not portrayed in a negative way, but if there is a loose connection that people pick up on and identify as him, is that a potential problem? Many thanks. Mel.
Hi Mel, I have to agree with Jimmy. As a Writer/Author you sometimes have to tip the cup a little - very little - but at the same time make your work "Unique", even where the characters are concerned, too. Unless you are actually writing a Biography that has to have those specific details and name (sometimes changed to protect the innocent!!!), then permissions are needed. Good luck with the book and all the best.
MKDS
See my comment on Debra Mercer's Q. It's more apposite here, but I don't want to type it out again.
Not a downer at all, good practical advice, which is what I need. Thanks, Jimmy.