It's not a major problem when they link their work directly to earlier stories.
A direct link might not always be desirable to readers
distracting
It's when you drop coincidental names into the book that things get bad
flourish
There are a number of names that have stopped being allusions and have become spoilers.
distraction
No one is going to be surprised
Step away from the spoilers
Unflattering Comparison
rarely subtle enough
Rarely can the piece of work top the name.
well-suited to the material
subtle
It's a way to make sure your main character won't make an impression on literary consciousness, but will go through the story with a serviceable everywoman demeanor.
too many shout-outs
an invitation to judge the material harshly
Killed By Overuse
minor character allusions
good the first few times around
thoroughly worn-out
the default name
tend to cast long shadows
literary allusions
The prohibition of names in fiction has to depend on context.
overly common names
creator names
what you call your main female character when you realize you can't call her Main Female Character
It has turned, hydra-like, from a name into a multi-headed monster
ubiquitous, and therefore meaningless
an expansion of the usual list of names used in fiction stories
Fred's memories, emotions, and personality traits remained with Illyria
something of a conspiracy theorist
she seemed to have a calming effect
I could even pretend to have a normal life. But the truth of it is... well, I'm not normal anymore.
the object of affection of Wesley, who attempted to step aside
but was still drawn to her
Fred and Wesley shared a kiss
Fred inadvertently managed to break free
Fred: "I'm sorry. I've been so alone and scared. I'm not like you, not a champion."
Angel: "Everything I see says different."
Feigenbaum, a stuffed rabbit named for mathematical physicist Mitchell Feigenbaum who studied chaos theory
When Wesley asked her who Feigenbaum was, Fred replied that she did not know.
Cradling her in his arms, Wesley stayed with Fred until the moment she died, after which her body was taken over by Illyria.
"I'm not scared. I'm not scared. I'm not scared. Please, Wesley, why can't I stay?"
Illyria stated that there were remnants of Fred in the form of her memories
Fred's emotions sometimes emerged in Illyria, accounting for her great affection for Wesley
Illyria took on the appearance of Fred in order to go about unnoticed
Illyria took on Fred's form to comfort the dying Wesley
Fred reappeared, manifesting as a transformation of Illyria into not just the physical appearance of Fred, but also her personality.
The essences of Illyria and Fred had been struggling for dominance over their shared body
Seeing someone Fred cared for triggered the change, while dangerous situations transformed her back into Illyria.
Burkle Wyndam-Pryce
brilliant mathematical mind, immense knowledge of quantum physics and science, and a natural ability in designing inventions
crossbow
She felt too much.
Fred did kiss him once
perfectly willing to help others
kindhearted
worked tirelessly
to build a machine
the first to believe
worth saving
Her personality was, in a sense, similar to that of Willow Rosenberg.
perpetual gratitude
earned
vengeful against those who threatened her or her friends
often led people to underestimate her
unassuming
innocent
she used this to her advantage
great inner strength
an innate ability to survive on her own despite overwhelming circumstances
I haven't had this many big strapping men at my bedside since that night with the Varsity Lacrosse team...That was a joke.
the only person who wasn't scared by Angel's demon
had a crush
Fred was stronger than anyone you'll ever know. To go through what she did and still come out able to love someone? If that's not strength, then I don't know what is.
When she asked if he thought they bought it, he replied "I did."
Spike initially flirts with Fred
his feelings later evolve into affection and esteem
Spike sacrifices a chance at becoming corporeal to save Fred's life
Wesley had been enamored with Fred from nearly the beginning.
Joss Whedon originally intended for Fred and Illyria to be split in two