A Mary Sue Character?

Question

In your own definition or opinion, what is a Mary Sue?

What traits/qualities would make you view a character as a Mary Sue? (Or Gary Stu, as I've heard for males.)

I'm going to go ahead and ask this of you now. Please do not say "If their name was Mary Sue."

Answer 1

one name bella swan

Answer 2

The prime example of a Mary Sue is Bella Swan of the Twilight series.

A Mary Sue is a character the author tries to live through or uses as in insert (Bella=Smeyer).

A Mary Sue usually has to be "saved" by someone (Bella and Edward/Jake). I call those the "Damsel Sues". The other type of Mary Sue is the one who doesn't need anyone's help and is just perfect at everything with seemingly no flaws (like Arya from Eragon). Those are "Warrior Sues" ;).

Mary Sues usually get everything they want with no sacrifice simply because they are them. Everything is perfect for them.

Answer 3

bella swan teehee

a person who is perfect and therefore seriously annoying because she gets everything she wants but you can't hate her cause she acts all martyr-ish

Answer 4

a Mary sue is a character that is obviously who the author is or wants to be, this is fine when writing original fiction. you can write about anything you want. it's bad when it is in the context of fan-fiction.  some one will write about  a character, let's say Hermione, and the Mary sue will do things that are so out of character for Hermione ( ex. doing naughty things with Draco or snape ). usually they are so uninspired and self serving.

Answer 5

A Mary Sue is a character that gets what s/he wants without having to go through trials. Their limitations aren't limitations at all. They attract a majority of the heroes/heroines in an extremely unrealistic way (i.e., no build-up whatsoever. Gazing into their eyes and realizing LOL MAI TRU LUUUUV.) They are the coolest, the smartest, the most beautiful, the most capable. Despite all those qualities, they have to be rescued or they end up stealing the spotlight from the hero/heroine. They usually end up being self-inserts as well.

(Creed: I totally agree with you. :| )