Part 8/13:
Using ChatGPT, Shapiro explores character names and backgrounds—choosing Cornelia Valyria, a noble-born woman, with a detailed lineage and familial ties. He discusses Latin naming conventions (e.g., the genitive case to indicate belonging) and how to craft distinctive identities for characters, particularly women, in Roman society.
He points out that Roman women often had feminized versions of family names, such as Aurelia or Cornelia, which adds realism to the story. He encourages explicit prompting to ensure accurate and meaningful details, especially given the complex historical and linguistic context.