4

I'm writing a formal essay on a book. The book is about a real person, but they are referred to by their first name throughout the entire book. When writing the essay, do I stay consistent with the book and refer to the person by their first name, or go the formal essay route and call them by their last name?

Improve this question
2
  • Are you supposed to apply a particular style guide?
    – rolfedh
    Commented Jul 17, 2020 at 18:26
  • Not that I know of. The only description of the style was just "formal essay", so I'm assuming MLA and not using first person. That's kind of all I've got.
    – wshtf0
    Commented Jul 18, 2020 at 19:45

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

According to the MLA website, you should give the person's full name and then refer to them by their last name thereafter.

Improve this answer
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.