I’m wondering if last names of characters are absolutely necessary, even if you don’t get mentioned throughout the story.

No, they aren't necessary and you'll find a multitude of films where the characters have no last names. However, when you are creating a character, a last name will serve to round that character out a little closer to being a real person. If you think of your character as a real person, you'll write them as a real person. Fake people don't have last names; real people do.

I received comments before when I named every single character in a 10 page short with a first and last name that I really didn't need to do that. While that's true, I also didn't receive any negative criticism over my characters being one-dimensional. People usually harp on format when they can't or don't want to find anything else.

Thanks alot George, that was very helpful.

As I see it, last names are like any other detail in the film. If it doesn't help develope the character, or move the story keep it out. In my feature, one character's last name is important because of the legacy he has at the school he attends. The other character's last names only help me to establish their background and such. I say if it's important include them, otherwise, don't waste your time coming up with meaningless details.

Ike

If a character's last name isn't mentioned throughout the story, then there's no need to include it in the script.

Remember that the script is a blueprint for a movie and that the audience won't know last names unless they're mentioned in the story. So I don't see the point in filling the reader with details that are meant to be lost on the page if you get the script produced.

If giving last names to your characters help you in the creative process, go ahead, give them last names in your outlines, treatments, etc, but don't clutter the script with unnecessary information; just include what’s necessary to move the story along.

Thanks guys. very good points. I think I will do without last names. All my characters are Afghanis, and I'm having a hard time coming up with their first names, let alone their last!

One of my favorite films is Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. The main characters didn't have names at all.  

I like creating complete names for characters. Hell, I like creating entire profiles for my characters, even if I don't get around to writing the actual script. I just think it's fun to dream up who these people were and how they came to be where they are when the story starts. For me, it can be more fun that actual writing. But that's just me. I sometimes get frustrated with last names though, trying to come up with names that sound real, but are also kind of interesting. Which is where the phone book comes in real handy. Sources of information are everywhere. You just have to know where to look.


Cheers, Chismeister.