Post by Lady Cattenborough on Oct 28, 2012 1:13:38 GMT -5
Mary Sue. We’ve all heard her name but what is she, and how can we avoid her perfect grasp?
Who Is Mary Sue?[/u]
A “Mary Sue,” also known as “Marty Stu,” “Gary Stu,” and “Bella Swan” is a character type all too common in fiction, fanfiction and RPG. Wikipedia defines a Sue as:
The term “Mary Sue” originated from a parody Star Trek fanfiction, where the author mocked other authors by making a female character (named Mary Sue, surprisingly), who was perfect, desired by all, and unreasonably young for her position (she was fifteen, and a lieutenant).
Other markers of a sue include exotic hair and eye colours, over-the-top magic powers, unrealistic pets (like a tiger), unreasonably strong items (like a bottomless bag that the character pulls everything and anything from), or other traits that are glaringly out-of-canon or make no sense in the setting. Since this is a wolf roleplay forum, let’s say a massive wolf who is aggressive and disrespectful but is still loved by all, and is stronger than anyone else despite age or weight. He always knows everyone’s names and what they are thinking - that is a Sue.
How Can I Tell If My Character Is A Sue?[/u]
Is xe always getting into situations that would normally mean trouble, but always come out on top?
Does xe always conveniently have a solution/knowledge/an item that can help the group?
Does xe have other characters jealous of their looks?
If the answer to any of those is yes, you may need to take the Mary Sue Litmus Test.
I Think My Character Is A Sue - What Do?[/u]
The first thing you need to do is evaluate what it is that makes your character a Sue. Some examples could be:
By and large, a single trait does not a Sue make. It’s usually the overwhelming combination. Single traits - like Too Young - can be fixed with simple adjustments, in this case, age. The single biggest factor in a Sue is how they are played. A character may have a terrible past, but their reactions are realistic and logical. Perhaps xe DOES have weird-coloured eyes, but was teased for it, and doesn't like attention drawn to the fact.
I’ve always said that I’m fine with writing clichés, as long as I can make a joke of it. Keep that in mind, and happy de-sue-ifying!
Who Is Mary Sue?[/u]
A “Mary Sue,” also known as “Marty Stu,” “Gary Stu,” and “Bella Swan” is a character type all too common in fiction, fanfiction and RPG. Wikipedia defines a Sue as:
”…a fictional character with overly idealized and hackneyed mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws, and primarily functioning as a wish-fulfillment fantasy for the author or reader. It is generally accepted as a character whose positive aspects overwhelm their other traits until they become one-dimensional. While the label "Mary Sue" itself originates from a parody of this type of character, most characters labelled "Mary Sues" by readers are not intended by authors as such.”
The term “Mary Sue” originated from a parody Star Trek fanfiction, where the author mocked other authors by making a female character (named Mary Sue, surprisingly), who was perfect, desired by all, and unreasonably young for her position (she was fifteen, and a lieutenant).
Other markers of a sue include exotic hair and eye colours, over-the-top magic powers, unrealistic pets (like a tiger), unreasonably strong items (like a bottomless bag that the character pulls everything and anything from), or other traits that are glaringly out-of-canon or make no sense in the setting. Since this is a wolf roleplay forum, let’s say a massive wolf who is aggressive and disrespectful but is still loved by all, and is stronger than anyone else despite age or weight. He always knows everyone’s names and what they are thinking - that is a Sue.
How Can I Tell If My Character Is A Sue?[/u]
Is xe always getting into situations that would normally mean trouble, but always come out on top?
Does xe always conveniently have a solution/knowledge/an item that can help the group?
Does xe have other characters jealous of their looks?
If the answer to any of those is yes, you may need to take the Mary Sue Litmus Test.
I Think My Character Is A Sue - What Do?[/u]
The first thing you need to do is evaluate what it is that makes your character a Sue. Some examples could be:
- A melodramatic past such as the My Parents Are DEEEEAAAAD trope, abuse, anything like that.
- Special Snowflake Syndrome is your character a Super Special Princess, with odd-coloured eyes and a mental disorder/addiction, and also a hybrid of two or more subspecies?
- Weird Markings this is somewhat acceptable, but should be considered carefully.
- He Man, Master of the Universe simply, the biggest, toughest, strongest, best character around, who can lift mountains and kill a huge moose on his own.
- Too Young To Be Qualified only two years old and already a proficient warrior/medic/professional asshole?
By and large, a single trait does not a Sue make. It’s usually the overwhelming combination. Single traits - like Too Young - can be fixed with simple adjustments, in this case, age. The single biggest factor in a Sue is how they are played. A character may have a terrible past, but their reactions are realistic and logical. Perhaps xe DOES have weird-coloured eyes, but was teased for it, and doesn't like attention drawn to the fact.
I’ve always said that I’m fine with writing clichés, as long as I can make a joke of it. Keep that in mind, and happy de-sue-ifying!