When names are known I think names and “they” are enough. When names are unknown a pronoun separated by age could be useful to pick someone out of a crowd. When talking about a bunch of unknown people of similar age, perhaps something referring to their order of appearance?
“What do you think those people over there were talking about? First said something to Second who laughed, but Third didn’t seem amused. First nudged Third but they just picked up their phone and First left them alone. Second said something general and shrugged. About two minutes later Third interrupted First and Second to show them the phone which seemed to prove what First had said was wrong. Fourth joined just as First left for the bathroom.”
When names are known I think names and “they” are enough. When names are unknown a pronoun separated by age could be useful to pick someone out of a crowd. When talking about a bunch of unknown people of similar age, perhaps something referring to their order of appearance?
“What do you think those people over there were talking about? First said something to Second who laughed, but Third didn’t seem amused. First nudged Third but they just picked up their phone and First left them alone. Second said something general and shrugged. About two minutes later Third interrupted First and Second to show them the phone which seemed to prove what First had said was wrong. Fourth joined just as First left for the bathroom.”