Young Writers Society

HOW TO AVOID MAKING A MARY SUE:


......... Or a "Gary Stu". If you aren't already aware of this character creating mistake, a Mary Sue/Gary Stu is a character who is overly perfect, and basically a wish fulfillment to the author. These characters are often unrealisticly talented, and loved by everyone in the book, except for the villains, and people who happen to be envious of their exceptional qualities. As for the people reading the books.... let's just say you may be rooting for the evil queen who wants Mary Sue's heart rather than Mary Sue herself.

WHY ARE MARY SUES SUCH AWFUL CHARACTERS?

Not very long ago, I was curious about the same thing. What is wrong with a character without flaws? They are just simply too good to be true. When a character has flaws they are realistic and easier to emphasize with. So even if your story character is fifty foot tarantula, people will still be able to feel for this person/creature too. If your character is a villain or someone who deserves to be detested, at least your reader will be able to love to hate them. Bottom line, a Mary Sue character makes you feel nothing. They are just a character from a book, while a actual character is so much deeper than that.

HOW TO MAKE A CHARACTER WITH FLAWS:

As you see, it isn't as easy as taking candy from a baby. But with a few of these tips, you can be successful. Take the characters strengths and build from them: For example, if someone was confident in their choices it may cause them to jump to conclusions all too quickly. And if someone enjoys freedom independence it may hinder their ability of commitment. Don't add in flaws if you won't use them, and they're irrelevant (ie, a fear of bananas.) Physical flaws don't qualify as actually flaws because they can easily be overcame. So no, overly sized hips don't coun't. Sorry!

ANTI SUE:

This term should be just as scary as Mary Sue. Anti Sues are bad because they they fall under the category, of bad characters. They are plain. Yeah sure, they may have the basic character foundation that the Mary Sue goes without but they have no flair. This character often self pities and has an overall pessimistic attitude on life. While the Mary Sue can do no wrong, the anti Sue character can seemingly do no right. Opposite is not the right answer.

For a character to be likable, it must have some of the attributes from the Sue and the Anti Sue. A tad bit of realism and flare.

Anti-sue's really helpful Hehehehe...