"What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."

—Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

This is perhaps one of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare, which symbolizes the power, or lack thereof, in a name. Juliet says this as she explains Romeo would still be the same person even if he had another name.

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Did y'all ever wonder how I came up with all the character names? Like many authors, I wanted to root the names with something meaningful. I went as far as to crack open my university Geology textbook I never sold back to the college bookstore (might as well learn something even if I'm graduated), and I'm excited to present a bit of worldbuilding and how/why I gave each character their name.

Not all characters followed this format, in which I sought names from Greek mythology or ones that were unique per the Dystopian media format. For the record, I dislike Greek mythology due to problematic themes and the fact school curriculums beat this subject matter to death. That said, it's accessible as some of the most widely recognized literature in the world.

Without further ado, I present to you each character (or related subject matter) with a brief description and/or explanation of why I selected these designations. Also, you'll see a mini bio (containing major spoilers in case you're one of those people (coughs — totally not calling myself out here) who likes to peek ahead for spoilers (which I actually try not to do on Wattpad. I just like the lore).

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📜The Factions📜

⚖️Enforcers

🧮Engineers

⚒️Maintenance

🩺🧪Medical/Science

🌱Quartermasters

💎The Founding Families💎

💎Calvorite:

⚖️🌱Kanden — This is an invented name. Back when I'd been planning a Steampunk/Sci-fi story spanning multiple worlds, I considered the last name Tallen, with Kanden being born into wealth and comfort, but hidden away because of his perceived disabilities. I didn't settle on Kanden until the start of the Undergrounders, but I like the way he immediately distinguishes himself among others in a genre with unusual names.

He is mid-to-high functioning autistic (see Exclusive Reveal on Neurodivergence for further reading). Over time, he learns to manage some of his symptoms but autism spectrum disorder isn't something that can be cured. Throughout the story, he learns that he is enough as who he is.

Throughout the story, he is pressured by those around him (his father and the Council) to produce an heir. Even though he is gay, he could find a surrogate or use artificial insemination. Unlike his father, Kanden would not be forced into an arranged marriage, leaving him free to choose a relationship with someone of his choice. However, he doesn't wasn't produce a child for the sake of lineage, and he is afraid any child biologically his will suffer his condition and at the hands of others. He is terrified of being a father because he isn't sure he can do it effectively.

Kanden is 19 years old at start of story. He turns 20 in the second arc during his training. He has been with Ryker for three years and briefly ends their relationship before reconciling.

His best friends are Zephyr, Giada, and Marina. His mentor and good friend he comes to respect is Rhonin, and Kanden eventually learns to communicate and attempt to reconcile with his father after a lifetime of a strained relationship.

After a short breakup, Kanden realizes he has been unfair to Ryker, and they reconcile. When Ryker adults Eudora, Kanden proposes, and they are married the next day. Though he has never wanted children of his own due to fear of them turning out like him, he has no trouble accepting Eudora as his daughter.

⚖️Bastion — This is a name I found on a Dystopian character name generator (https://nerdburglars.net/namegenerator/futuristic-dystopian-name-generator/). Dystopian fiction often utilizes a system of simple, yet effective names. Post-contemporary society is gone, and the world is often in ruins. Names are often reflective of their surroundings, and in cases where I couldn't find suitable names, I used the tried-and-true method of something accessible to readers.

noun:

1. a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions.

2. an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities:

So, this one is fun because Bastion is representative of both meanings. As the Council member for the Enforcers (and later Head of the Council), he upholds the laws, carries out punishments and executions, and unfortunately clings to outdated views due to his harsh upbringing.

Considered to be an elite among the elites, Bastion is outwardly stoic and taciturn, internalizing everything else. He comes across as cold and aloof to those around him, resulting in society keeping their distance because of bias, fear, and hate.

At the age of 19, his father arranged Bastion's marriage to Ivarra, a young woman from a middle-class family with 'good breeding.' Despite the strain on their marriage caused by several failed miscarriages and their differing views, Bastion is fiercely loyal and protective of his wife. It is revealed later in the first arc that he never stopped loving her, even when she pushed him away.

He does not approve of a gay relationship between his son and Ryker throughout most of the story. However, the trauma of his childhood and losing his wife changes his views significantly as he attempts to open up and be better for his son. By the end of the first volume, he accepts Kanden's marriage to Ryker and openly welcomes the latter into the family, along with is adopted granddaughter Eudora.

He has always had a desire to have children, and though he struggles to express this, he loves his son very much, and easily gravitates to the prospect of spoiling his granddaughter, despite having no blood relation.

🩺🧪Ivarra 💀 — This was a combined name between a generator and tweaking it to something I liked.

Born to a respected middle-class family, Ivarra married Bastion through an arranged union by their families when she was 18. After suffering four failed miscarriages, including a birth where her daughter survived less than ten minutes, Ivarra fell into a deep state of depression. After Kanden's birth, Ivarra shut everyone out but her son, resenting Bastion for the strain on their marriage from the pressure to produce an heir.

In the beginning of the story, Ivarra holds the Medical and Science seat on the Council. Gentle, soft-spoken, and kind, she is well liked by all castes, viewed as a fair and capable leader.

⚖️Leon 💀 — This name came out of nowhere, and I honestly couldn't say why I chose it. But it does mean lion, and even if Leon was a horrible person, it's fitting for his position and status as an iron-fisted leader.

Bastion's father who is described as a cold, angry, abusive man toward his son and grandson. Leon blamed Ivarra for their fertility issues and her struggles to carry a pregnancy to term. He is largely the reason Ivarra hated Bastion in the latter years of her marriage.

⚖️Zephyr (Calvorite by proxy) — His name comes from Greek Mythology, meaning 'God of the Westerly Wind.' He embodies this through speed and agility, and is almost unrivaled in close-quarter combat. His specialized skill is in knife throwing, though he is proficient with a baton when needed.

Little is revealed about Zephyr's backstory. His mother died during childbirth, and his father died sometime later. Though implied to be born to a lower caste, Bastion admired Zephyr's father and brought Zephyr into the household as a surrogate son and playmate for Kanden. Because of his low-born status though, Zephyr is initially barred from going into Engineering, reserved for higher castes. However; he is brought into Engineering during the second arc after the Insurrection.

Zephyr is in love with Kanden, but his feelings are unreciprocated, and he is left hurt, while his friendship with Kanden is on the rocks.

💎Helix:

⚒️Micaiah 💀 — Ironically, Helix is representative of DNA, so you'd think the Chancellor would have been over Medical and Science. I'll just say he's a dumbass and the epitome of dangerous people in power. While alive, he led the Maintenance Faction.

👧🏼 Linnea — Helix's granddaughter who survived the riots by hiding from the mob. Both parents were killed in the riots, and her grandfather was executed/murdered. She is the sole surviving descendent of the Helix family.

Linnea is a variant of the scientific/mathematical word Linear, after Linnaeus.

She is approximately 5-7 years old at the time of the riots.

💎Garasone:

I chose Lance and Sabre because these types of weapons and because of Sabre's actions before the riots — effective and lethal.

💎Lance 💀 — Descendent of one of three Founding Families. He is entitled by his elevated status and doesn't hesitate to take advantage of others. Though his cause of death is unspecified, it is revealed he died shortly after Sabre entered the Quartermaster faction.

🌱Sabre 💀 — Lance's legitimate daughter and heir. She is arrogant and cruel, taking delight in the misfortune of others while reminding them of their place.

Sabre had no children, thus nearly ending the Garasone line when Bastion killed her in retaliation for Ivarra's murder.

⚒️⚖️Rhonin — This came from World of Warcraft (with absolutely nothing to do with the flame haired made. He was one of my favorite NPCs and to this day, I'm pissed at Blizzard for how his story played out). Also, Rhonin is a cool freakin' name.

Lance Garasone's illegitimate son conceived through a one-night stand. He's technically among the lowest caste at the start of the story, but when he's introduced after the riots, he is shown as a Senior Enforcer selected to lead the Maintenance Faction. He is initially mysterious and harsh, but warms significantly toward Kanden and takes him under his wing during training. Though he is now the last descendent of the Garasone family, his humble birth has made him jaded, yet open to listening to opposing views. By the end of the first volume, he is in a relationship with Marina.

🪨Middle-Caste Families🪨

🧮Arlo Terrathorn — Council Member in charge of Engineering. After the attempted insurrection, Arlo continues to actively lead the Engineers as the Undergrounders seek a way to Overland.

Born to the Middle Caste, Arlo is charismatic and generally well-liked, despite being a coward. His family was threatened by the original Council, causing him to betray Bastion and Ivarra. He later expresses remorse and tends to support the newly established Council, but his true nature and intentions are never fully revealed in the first volume.

Terrathorn describes the Earth, and it felt right to me. Maybe I'll explore this more during the Overlanders.

🩺🧪Marina — Approximately ten years older than Kanden, she is one of his closest friends, but was also dear to Ivarra. She works in Science, assisting Ivarra in their investigation to uncover the source of the virus affecting the Undergrounders. She is later elected to the Council, overseeing the Medical/Science branch.

She is described as having braids and natural curves. She speaks very quickly, in part because of her fast-paced native language (Spanish), but also because of undiagnosed ADHD. She bounces through many topics in the span of a few short minutes, fidgets, and can't sit still. She is brilliant, however; specializing in alchemy and explosives.

By the end of the first volume, she enters a relationship with Rhonin, and she is present for Kanden's wedding to Ryker.

🌱⚖️Yasmine — Middle Class Senior Enforcer who eventually leads the Quartermaster Faction after Sabre's death. She served as a judge during Bastion's mock trial, and she is portrayed as a stern but fair, capable leader. She is also lethal in close quarters combat.

She has a daughter — Priya — and a grandchild. Priya nurses Ember's daughter after the latter's death during childbirth and lives in a unit next to Ryker after he adopts Eudora.

It is unknown if Yasmin or Priya took husbands or simply chose to raise children as single mothers.

⚖️Giada Roccio — An outgoing young woman from a middle-class family of Engineers. Her parents are deeply religious; despite this, she is asexual but open to watching other men.

She joins the Enforcers to escape her overbearing parents and live life on her terms. Becoming fast friends with Kanden, she acts as emotional support, a confidante, and protector. They are almost inseparable by the end of the first volume, and she is often known for her wit, warmth, and strong sense of justice.

Giada is an Italian name that means Jade.

🧮Quorra and Enzo Roccio — Giada's Italian-descent parents. As a middle-class family, the Roccios dwell in duplex quarters separated by a shared bathroom. Their unit has decor passed down from their ancestors, and gears of various shapes and sizes hang on the walls. The Roccios are Catholic and possess one of the only Bibles within the Underground.

Quorra is overbearing and overprotective of her only child, believing it best to stay silent and not ask questions. She disapproves of Giada's choice to become an Enforcer and would rather her daughter traditionally marry and have a child.

Enzo is more easygoing and believes Giada should find her own way in life. He often refers to her as Giada-bella. Fascinated by how things work, Enzo works as an engineer and collects gears as a hobby.

Roccio is the Italian word for rock. Whether it's an actual surname is beyond me, but since this is a story about people underground, I'm just gonna go with it.

⚖️Griffen — Initially obnoxious and a bully, he barely makes it through Enforcer Training and walks out with Kanden and Giada when the recruits mutiny against Olivine's poor leadership. Despite his open hostility toward Kanden in the beginning of their training, he grows to respect his rival for his emotional courage and willingness to stand up for his beliefs.

Little else is known about him at this time.

⚖️Olivine — I lifted this name straight from my Geology textbook. Olivine is a green rock-forming mineral found mainly in dark-colored igneous rocks and thought to be the most abundant mineral in the mantle.

—Wikipedia, University Textbook, Oxford Dictionary

Though her caste has never been established, she is fanatically loyal to the Enforcers and rule of Undergrounder law. She embraces strict discipline and order, resorting to slapping insubordinate recruits.

During the riots in a bonus chapter, she is seen with Bastion, clearing the hallways to protect civilians while fighting off the rioters.

She isn't fond of Kanden, and she especially dislikes Giada and Ryker. Though she believes the rebels all deserved execution, she mostly keeps her opinions contained and tries to do her job. Despite being loyal to Bastion, the Senior Enforcer/Faction Leader doesn't fully trust her, seeing her as a potential threat to anyone who opposes the law.

⚖️Scorio — A relatively young and new trainer for the Enforcers, he possesses a mild personality and cheery disposition. He's a solid fighter, but when he's not training, he displays humor and a laid back attitude.

⚒️Lower-Caste Familes⚒️

⚒️Shadowburn

⚒️🩺🧪Ryker — Initially a member of the Medical and Science faction. Born into the lowest caste, Ryker is afforded an opportunity to practice medicine after Council Member Ivarra Calvorite sees his talent and trains him. After the insurrection, he is moved to Maintenance, where he helps clear rubble and assists Rhonin in accessing the Cavern's upper levels.

🌱Rumi — Rumi simply means stone. I'm not fond of this name, but tried to keep the names within my themes of Geology and Greek Mythology.

Widow and single mother to Ryker. Growing up in the lower caste and going straight into the Quartermaster faction, she is mostly content.

She loved her husband, though she considered him a dreamer. Much as she adores her son, their relationship becomes strained when Ryker's role among the rebels comes to light. As part of a deal with the surviving rebels, she temporarily has custody of her adult son until Ryker marries Kanden.

By the end of the first volume, she is shown holding her adopted granddaughter and swatting Bastion's hand away when he fights for his granddaughter's attention. She and Ryker also reconcile, though the extent is not revealed.

⚒️Devri 💀 — Not much is revealed about Devri. Ryker idolizes him and recalls Devri finding the access tubes the Council had forgotten. He didn't live long enough to watch Ryker grow into a man, which deeply influenced his actions. He is described by Rumi as a good man. However, she is initially skeptical of his claims, believing he often made up fantastical stories.

🌱Ember Brine 💀 — Not much is known about Ember except she was pregnant with Blaze's child during the riots. She was on the tribunal at Bastion's trial and voted for execution.

She comes from a poor family with an abusive father. The extent of the abuse has not yet been revealed, but it was enough for Yasmin to investigate Ember's parents after her death and award custody of her daughter to Ryker (who also notably had ties to the rebels), whom she viewed as more fit to raise Eudora.

Before her death due to complications during childbirth, Ember was a member of the Quartermaster Faction. As one of the few rebels not executed, she was sent back to her family (before they were accused of abuse), as part of a deal to rehabilitate those with what the newly developed Council deemed crimes unbefitting of a death penalty.

⚒️Blaze Everhill 💀 — Kanden's nemesis and lifelong bully. Resentful at his status and the Calvorite's privilege, he attacks Kanden in a rage after his father falls victim to the poison secretly engineered by the Council. As punishment, he is publicly executed for assault.

⚒️Malus 💀 — A variation of malice. He acted as a ringleader during the riots and expressed no remorse for the death of several children. During Bastion's mock trials, Malus attempted to kill the Faction leader after the tribunal voted for Bastion's exoneration.

Yasmin kills him after Malus fails to check whether she is incapacitated during a fight. Distracted by Kanden, whom he intended to kill, Yasmin gets back to her feet and stabs him between the ribs.

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This is all I have for now, but I hope you all enjoyed this list. I've chosen to make this content free since it doesn't offer anything new, but also provides an index and maybe a source of entertainment for those into lore.