A Mary Sue is an unbearably perfect character (generally female, for male characters it would be more appropriate to use Gary Stu). Usually featured in fan-fiction, these characters are almost invincible, have a thousand talents and are loved by everyone but the readers. Often a Mary Sue represents the idealized version he makes of himself the author, projecting her into the world of the original work, also called the canon. Readers can easily find out who this character is. Read on for detailed information on how to prevent this annoying character from appearing in your stories.
Steps
Step 1. Know the starting work
Try not to proceed from hearsay or based on what you've seen in two or three episodes. If you can't see the entire season of a show or read a book completely, use the internet. Research your fandom.
Step 2. Your character shouldn't be related to one of the canon
While some characters in the canon have vague pasts, which can be manipulated, a frequent trait that immediately stands out to the eye (even if it does not always appear) of a Mary Sue is to be somehow connected to a canon character, especially one who already has a well-known past. Readers may find it hard to believe that this character has a never-before-mentioned sister or a forgotten son.
Step 3. Give your character some real flaws
Readers like to find themselves in a story. Make your character impatient or obsessed with their appearance or have trouble making friends. They should be flaws that have consequences in his life and that can allow the story to proceed.
Step 4. Your character should be part of the original party, preferably a minor role
It shouldn't be constantly in the center of the universe. Let the other characters have moments away from him, and don't talk about him or think about him all the time.
Step 5. Allow the canon characters to share the scene with your character
Remember why you are writing. Readers want to know more about canon characters, which is why you are writing one fan-fiction.
Step 6. Characters in the canon should have different reactions to the character you created
Consider the work you are drawing from. Are all the protagonists always in agreement with each other and always acting in the same way? Of course not. Take into account the personalities of the characters in the canon and imagine credible reactions and relationships with the newcomer.
Step 7. Complicate things for your new character
A Mary Sue knows how to cope in any situation, and this is one of the most annoying aspects: she can fight, she has special talents, lasting relationships, powers that appear just in time to save her own life and that of others, etc. If your character has to struggle and deal with real problems, your readers will be mirrored in him. If, on the other hand, he does everything perfectly and does not face real adversity, they will begin to hate him.
Step 8. Don't let the new character be the only one to help resolve the most difficult or pending conflicts in the original story
Grant this honor to an existing character or have everyone contribute to remedy the problems.
Step 9. Pay particular attention to the romantic side of the story
Mary Sue always win the love of a character that the author of the story likes. Sometimes two characters are reunited who in the original version were separated because the fan-fiction writer wants to see them together. It is possible to put romance into fan fiction, but do it in a believable and sensible way.
Step 10. Take your time
One of the biggest flaws of stories with a Mary Sue is that everything happens too fast. It will likely take some time before the new character forges a good relationship with the canon characters or is in a position to do something good. Go slowly. Then you can always write a sequel.
Step 11. The character you invent shouldn't look like you, otherwise you run the risk of starting to write a diary
Remember that all characters have different personalities and should have the freedom to choose what they want to do, so don't base their decisions on your personal opinions and beliefs. This will make the story much more interesting.
Advice
- Bad habits, such as nail biting, can be interesting characteristics of a character, but they are not flaws. One or two vices can give depth and interest, but don't forget the real flaws.
- Flaws aren't problems to be solved at the end of the story or minor hindrances that disappear at important moments. Your character may gradually overcome some of his problems, but he will never be without flaws. If he's clumsy, he has to be awkward in battles too, not just when you think it's fun to drop him while walking down the street. If he tends to behave like a coward, don't let him get over this during the first or second battle (but not even during the third or fourth). He may show this trait several times and learn to improve more and more. Also, trends he thought he no longer had may come back when he least expects it, getting the better of him. If your character is rude to their superiors, they always will be and will be reprimanded for it. Of course, we repeat, it could improve, but a defect is unlikely to disappear forever.
- Find a balance between strengths and weaknesses. For example, if your character is a handsome blue-haired teenage boy, he is very good at using the sword and bow, he can dance, he fascinates others because he plays the guitar divinely and is admired by practically all girls. so that he is humorously clumsy and slightly shy. He may be afraid of spiders and some flaws, for example he is arrogant, therefore he is not appreciated by his schoolmates. Maybe he also has a habit, for example he smokes, and this is bad for his health. Just make sure these flaws have real negative consequences for him and aren't just characteristics used to describe him.
- If the character is unable to do something but it does not affect his daily life or other important elements, it is not a fault. A spaceship pilot who cannot sing well can still do his job without problems. A member of a family of wandering minstrels who can't sing has a real problem.
- Creating a Mary Sue is not the eighth mortal sin. Many first time fan-fiction writers imagine what it would be like to meet and interact with characters from their favorite movie, show, book, comic or video game. However, what you find funny isn't so much fun for people who read. Don't be disheartened by writing such a story, just try to figure out how to fix it in the future and what to avoid, so your characters will seem real and interesting to readers.
- A good rule of thumb: For every two or three positive traits, create a minor flaw for your character. For every six to nine positive characteristics, it creates a flaw of considerable magnitude. This way your character will be balanced.
- The Mary Sue aren't limited to fan-fiction. Although it is more common and easier to notice them when a writer talks about a universe that readers already know, they can also be found in totally original works. Some of the passages in this article have nothing to do with the Mary Sue of an original work, but they must still be considered when in doubt. Of course, some of the characters you invent will become the protagonists of your story. However, if one particular gets all the attention, is perfect, wins over all the girls, and never does anything wrong, you may end up with a Mary Sue on your hands.
- The Mary Sue Litmus Tests could help you figure out if you've ventured into this territory. Just remember that most of the original characters, Mary Sue or not, will still accumulate some points.
- Faults laden with good intentions, such as worrying too much about others or doing your best to the point of obsession, might be legitimate, as long as they cause problems for your character. If he cares deeply about a person or group of people, he may protect those he loves at the expense of his mission or be unable to make a decision that could harm them.
- If you notice you've given birth to a character that smells like Mary Sue from miles away, you shouldn't take him out, change the genre to create a parody. In this way, it will be okay to use a Mary Sue, the important thing is that it is fun though.
Warnings
- If someone insults your character for being a Mary Sue, don't take it personally. Review your creation, don't assume you've done a great job and other writers are just jealous.
- If you feel like your character is a Mary Sue, just admit it. Don't try to convince yourself otherwise, because you are probably right. Remember, Mary Sue, if used well, can make a good contribution to the story. Many canonical folk characters exhibit these traits, but still have a personality.
