"The Names" is a novel by Don DeLillo that explores themes of identity, language, and the complexities of modern life. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized version of Greece, the story follows a group of expatriates who grapple with their personal and cultural identities while navigating a world filled with political unrest and existential questions. The protagonist, James Axton, is an American living abroad who becomes involved in a series of mysterious events, including a string of ritualistic murders. As he seeks to understand the significance of these occurrences, the novel delves into the nature of names and their meanings, reflecting on how language shapes our understanding of reality.