Post by Lady Venom on Jan 7, 2009 6:28:27 GMT -5
What is a Mary Sue?
As defined by Wikipedia:
"Mary Sue, sometimes shortened simply to Sue, is a pejorative term used to describe a fictional character who plays a major role in the plot and is particularly characterized by overly idealized and hackneyed mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws, and primarily functioning as wish-fulfillment fantasies for their authors or readers."
Mary Sues are usually stunningly beautiful, have fancy names and men (particularly male characters in fanfictions) usally fall in love with them instantly.
The Difference Between a Mary Sue and a Self Insert
There is a difference between a Mary Sue and a Self Insert. A Self Insert is a character the author has based on themself.
These characters usually share the same characteristics as the author (eg hair colour, personality).
A Mary Sue may also be based on the author, but lacks any realistic flaws.
She is often the centre of the story and the focus of all the attention.
Mary Sues also come in male form, known as a Gary Stu, although these are less common in fanfictions, and more common than Sues in original stories.
Here is a link to an online test, which will indicate whether or not your character is in fact a Mary Sue.
www.katfeete.net/writing/marysue.html.
Feel free to post your results!
As defined by Wikipedia:
"Mary Sue, sometimes shortened simply to Sue, is a pejorative term used to describe a fictional character who plays a major role in the plot and is particularly characterized by overly idealized and hackneyed mannerisms, lacking noteworthy flaws, and primarily functioning as wish-fulfillment fantasies for their authors or readers."
Mary Sues are usually stunningly beautiful, have fancy names and men (particularly male characters in fanfictions) usally fall in love with them instantly.
The Difference Between a Mary Sue and a Self Insert
There is a difference between a Mary Sue and a Self Insert. A Self Insert is a character the author has based on themself.
These characters usually share the same characteristics as the author (eg hair colour, personality).
A Mary Sue may also be based on the author, but lacks any realistic flaws.
She is often the centre of the story and the focus of all the attention.
Mary Sues also come in male form, known as a Gary Stu, although these are less common in fanfictions, and more common than Sues in original stories.
Here is a link to an online test, which will indicate whether or not your character is in fact a Mary Sue.
www.katfeete.net/writing/marysue.html.
Feel free to post your results!