Is it OK to rename characters?
One of my characters has two names, one she was given by her parents and is how the world/other characters know (of)her, another she likes and uses to "throw enemies off her scent"
Is it OK to refer to her by the second name til her true identity is revealed to one of the heroes?
For instance - Olivia walked alongside Peter... - where Olivia is actually the alias. Or...
Should I call her by her given name while the other characters call her by the alias - Beatrice walked alongside Peter... -
Which will be less confusing for the readers?
I've read works where both methods are used and never felt bothered by that. But then, I'm the kind of reader that reads the end of a novel first and isn't bothered by spoilers. So....
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In my current story, a kind of spy girl has name A, but at various times goes by B, C, D, and E. I always refer to her as A in prose, and other characters call her by whatever alias she is using at the time.
"Nice to meet you, Betty," Joe said, extending a hand.
Alice took his hand and gave it firm single shake. "Likewise, Joe. Shall we get to work?"
I prefer this to reinforce for the reader that A is constantly aware she is playing a role and always deceiving everyone around her, even if she winds up in some intimate situation with one of them.
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