Pseudonym Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.6-7.3

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

A pseudonym is a false name that is used by writers when publishing their own work. Authors will use this technique when they want shield themselves or add a sense of mystery which can often improve their chance for success. Sometimes a writer may simply want to try something new if they are famous for writing in specific genre and they want to attempt a different genre this give them a way to protect their legacy. In the nineteenth century many female authors needed to use pseudonyms of men in order to get published due to the politics of the time period. There are even cases where an upcoming author shares the name of established writer or renowned cultural personality so they would choose to use a pseudonym to carve their own path for themselves. These worksheets will explore the use of pseudonyms in literature.

Pseudonym Worksheets To Print:

Real Names - List the real name of the famous writer who uses/used each pseudonym.

Alter Egos - An alter ego is a second self, which is believed to be distinct from a person’s original, normal, or true personality.

Intro to the Concept - This is a greta tool to help drive a class discussion about this concept.

True or False - How would you classify each of the statements that we present you with.

Name Them - We give you their real names and ask you to tell us the name that they are famous for.

Explore Essay - This worksheet sets you up to write a reflective piece.

Different Types - If you are lost on these classifications, just check the bottom of this page.

Superheroes - Name each of these fictional characters in Superhero form.

Complete It - Make sure to read for context and place the words where they belong.

Who Ya Got? - List some people that you know of that use a pseudonym.

Research - Do a little digging and see if you can give a real world example of all of these.

Reflection - It is funny how other people can affect our ability to share with the world.

Epithet and Antonomasia - Where do all these concept come in contact with one another?

Create a Pen Name - This is a very fun activity that students will enjoy!

Explore It - This is a great way to review this concept with students once they have discussed the topic.

What Is a Pseudonym?

A pseudonym is a fake or pen name that a person (or group of people) uses to identify themselves for a special purpose. The history of literature and pop culture includes many well-known pseudonyms such as "Batman," the alter ego of a much loved (and sometimes hated) superhero, and "Dr. Seuss," the alias utilized by a hacker.


The Importance of Them


A pseudonym can tell you a lot about someone. Many people, including some avid readers, aren't aware of the 19th-century mathematician Charles Dodgson. This is because he is better known as Lewis Carroll, the moniker he used to create Alice in Wonderland. Dodgson didn't want young Alice's surreal and fanciful adventures to be linked to his mathematical publications. Hence, he decided to use a different name for his literary offerings to the world.


In the same way, famous 19th-century writer siblings the Brontë sisters, known for seminal works like Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë) and Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë), initially published their books under the name "Bell." Inspiration for this alias came from the Brontë clan's neighbors. The sisters adopted it for their literary pieces to avoid being recognized by anyone.


Characters within a story might also have pseudonyms. Examples include "Darth Vader," the assumed identity of well-known Star Wars character Anakin Skywalker, and "Catwoman," the pen name used by Selina Kyle from DC Comics' Batman franchise. Writers sometimes use pseudonyms for their characters to show something unique about them to the readers.


Types of Pseudonyms


Usernames


To ensure anonymity, people adopt different user names online. This is normally done when browsing through various websites. They don't seem like pen names or stage names like the ones we're used to seeing in literature and pop culture, but they're effective at serving their intended purpose.


Stage/Pen Names


The idea with pen names ("noms de plume" in French) and stage names is to identify oneself using monikers that can easily pronounce and remember. Artists use them sometimes to stand out, especially if there's someone else in the field with a similar name. At other times, they may adopt a pen name to hide their true identity.


Female authors using pen names, especially male pseudonyms, was common until the 19th century. Women writers of these ages often had to do this to be taken seriously by the literary community and the wider readership. Moreover, established authors write under pseudonyms at times to explore a different genre without being judged by their past work.


Cadre Names/Party Names/Nom de Guerre


Nom de guerre is French for "war name." The term originated in the French army, where a soldier's "war name" was like an ID number. It usually included a first and last name along with some city or notable trait, such as "Phineas Gordon the Tallest." Such pseudonyms are still in use, often for security reasons where families need to be protected from revenge.


Parting Thoughts


As can be seen from this discussion, pseudonyms serve a variety of purposes in pop culture and literature. How did you like this piece? Are you aware of any lesser-known but interesting pseudonyms, past or present, that you'd like to tell us about? Don't hesitate to use the comments section!