Kdtyjb

I drafted a book two years ago that I'm now polishing to publish. When I drafted it, for speed's sake, I named one of my primary characters after an old school friend who I'm still in contact with on Facebook. The character's personality isn't him (though he does look a lot like him), I've just used his name. Let's call him Bob Snow.

I don't know whether this happens to other writers out there, but after living with this character through several drafts, he has thoroughly become Bob Snow.

I've tried, over and over, to rename him to Jim Snow, Bob Potts, any number of iterations and new names, but none of them fit because he has become a real person to me. It feels like your best mate saying, I've changed my name by deed poll and you need to call me FlameBoy from now on.

Every beta reader has LOVED this character, he's a really good guy, so there are no issues with defamation. And I'm sure, if I asked Bob's permission, he would probably be flattered. It's a thriller series with 3 books in the offing, so Bob will show up a lot.

Are there possible bumps down the road that I can't see?

Has anyone else faced such a dilemma?

From a literary standpoint, though, the dilemma is pretty common.
The fact is that name, as uncommon or common as may be, tend to stick to the character. You have gotten used to "Bob Snow", any other thing will seem downright strange.

As testimonied by Taserface in Guardians of the Galaxy vol.2:

I'm not qualified to give you legal advice on the matter - IANAL applies - but the best option would seem ask your friend for permission. You may want to have him give you written permission, e.g. in an email.

Also, consider how much the name is uncommon. There are a million of John Smiths, but far fewer Robert Downey Jrs. The more peculiar the name, the more it will be tied to your friend image; the more you may want to change it to be on the safe side.

To be fair, even if it seems uncomfortable now, a character name is mostly a matter of habit. Switching from Bob Snow to Jim Snow can seem impossible now, but it will fit with the character, in time.

After all, Frodo Baggins was called Bingo Baggins in earlier drafts for Tolkien's the Lord of the Rings.

I don't think reader's necessarily like characters for their names. It is true that the poetry of some names seem to imply more altruistic, or harmless, or villainous intent. Frodo Baggins just doesn't sound like a villain, neither does Galadriel, but the Balrog sounds threatening, and Grima (aka Wormtongue, but that is a little on-the-nose) does not sound like a love interest.

But that said, I think there are an infinite number of names that will ring true and will fit for your hero and what you wish to convey. "Snow" as a poetic concept evokes purity, as do many other naturally bright white objects, including about 50 white flowers. In the 1800s Europe a wreath or string of white orange blossoms was once a very common part of a (wealthy) bride's wedding outfit, as a symbol of her purity; if they weren't in season they were made of silk.

"Bob" is a very common name, and a nickname for the more formal "Robert," so "Bob Snow" is evoking a common, casual person that is nonetheless very pure of heart. That doesn't mean they can't be special or heroic, it just means they don't present themselves to the world that way. So if they are special, they are also being non-pretentious and friendly by inviting others to call them "Bob," instead of, say, "Kingslayer".

Perhaps that personality matches your character.

To return to my opening, name choice is important, but you have alternatives, once you recognize the poetry involved. I don't think readers will care, the character's name is just a hint (which you can preserve with a different name), it is the character's actions that truly define them for the reader, and what those actions imply about the character's inner life and thinking (which may also be exposed by your writing) is why they love that character. Or in the case of a villain, hate them.

I think it is a mistake to name a character after somebody you know. It puts restrictions on you for future adventures. What if you need to kill Bob Snow? What if you need to turn him to the dark side? What if he has to do something repellent to save the world? What will your friend think about that? Will you have arguments about what "Bob Snow" would or wouldn't do? Will you always have to write "Bob Snow" in a way that meets with the approval of your friend? Even if you get permanent permission from him for all future works, all of the above is still possible, lest you create resentment in your friend for portraying "him" in a bad light. He may identify with your character.

I'd find a different name. Use your imagination, that is a writer's job.

Ask Bob for his approval.
This is the easiest and fastest way to clear this up.