When we write essays do we use character first name or last name ?

When we write essays. Do we use the main character's first name or last name.


Is it true you only use their first name during the first time.


For example:


Barrack Obama is the 44th president. Obama's the first black pres.





OR ...





Barrack Obama is the 44th president. Barrack's the first black pres.

When we write essays do we use character first name or last name ?
When referring to a person with a title, refer to him or her with his title in any formal presentation. It's not only proper, it's expected.





"Barrack Obama is the 44th president. President Obama is [try to stay from contractions] the first black president." Try to stay from abbreviations too, when you can.





And, to stay away from the repetition of the word "president,"


"Barrack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America. President Obama is [try to stay from contractions] the first black to hold that office."





You might consider a "style guide." I have a couple, but the least expensive is "Cliffs Quick Review Writing:Grammar, Usage, and Style" by Eggenschwiler and Biggs.





There's also the AP Style guide. And, believe it or not, even a copy of Emily Post's Etiquette... any version, or a secretarial handbook.





These kinds of books also have standard abbreviations for some titles -- such as "Mr." for "mister." But, for the President of the United States, I'd never use anything less than "President." Think of how you would address him if you were in his presence.





I've done a little writing... and I was a journalist and a newspaper editor for a while.
Reply:It depends how the character is called in the story or article. For example in Life of Pi, Pi's name is actually Piscine Molitor Patel, but in an essay you would use the name "Pi" because this name is commonly used in the text, and it is easily recognized.





But if you are reffering to a real person, I suggest you use his/her last name, its more formal.
Reply:If it is a real-life person, then you would not use their first name. For example, you would not say Barack, you would say Obama.





If you were using a character's name, such as Huckleberry Finn, then you can use their first name.





You want to be proper when speaking of real-life people.
Reply:In this scenario, it is best to use "Obama." I think it's this way because most people would look at using "Barrack" as to formal. I mean, if you were meeting the president, what would you call him.








....please don't say "Yo Homie, wuz hapnin."
Reply:Well, you could do it either way but the more formal way of writing an essay is to write it using the last name, not the first name.
Reply:1rst name
Reply:last name for real ppl
Reply:use both names the first time, then only the last