How to Avoid Making a Mary Sue

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 Approved

A "Mary Sue" (or "Gary Stu" for males) is a character who is overly perfect. Usually found in fanfiction, these characters are nearly invincible, multi-talented to the extreme, and loved by everyone except the readers. Often, Mary Sue represents the author's idealized version of themselves projected into the world of the original fiction, also known as canon. The readers can easily detect this fact. Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to keep this annoying character from showing up in your writing.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Knowing the Stories Well

1
Know your material. Try not to go on hearsay, or what you've seen in two or three episodes. If you can't watch the whole season or read the entire series, that's what the Internet is for. Research your fandom.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Locating Your Character Plausibly

1
Avoid making your character related to a canon character. While some canon characters have vague pasts that can be manipulated, a frequent and recognized (although not compulsory) trait of a Mary Sue is to be related in some way to a canon, especially one who has a strongly established past already. Your readers may find it hard to believe that the canon character has a sister he never mentioned or a son they don't remember.
2
Make your character part of the ensemble cast, maybe even a very small part. Your original character should not constantly be the center of the universe. Let the other characters have moments away from your new character where they don't talk or think about the new character.
3
Let the canon characters share the spotlight with your character. Remember why they're there. Your readers want to read about the canon characters, that's why you're writing a fan-fiction.
4
Pick a realistic name. Make sure that your chosen name fits in with the fandom. For example, don't have a Harry Potter character called Trixiebella Arwen, or a LOTR elf called Jane. There are plenty of sites online where you can research names to make sure that they fit with your chosen fandom.
- Baby name sites are a good start but avoid choosing anything too crazy. Names like "Angelica Rowanna Marybelle Devenish" are ridiculous and not realistic. Don't use traits like hair color or facial features either, as most children are named at birth.
- Don't use your own name, or a variation of it. This just screams "Mary Sue" to readers.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Giving Your Character Flaws

1
Give your new character some real flaws. Ones like impatience, obsession with looks and trouble making friends are examples of flaws within the character. They should be flaws that have real consequences for the character in his or her life and advance the story forward.
2
Make things hard for your new character. One of the most annoying things about Mary Sues is how easily everything comes to them: fighting skills, special talents, strong relationships, special powers that appear just in time to save the day, etc. If your character has to struggle and deal with real problems your readers will start to feel for her. If she does everything perfectly with no real adversity, they'll start to hate her.
3
Avoid making the character show similar traits as your own. If you do so, you might as well start a diary as everyone has a different personality and should have to freedom to choose what they want to do, so do not base their decisions on your personal opinions, beliefs, etc. This makes the story far more interesting and also makes the writing more of an interesting journey for you, stretching your writing abilities.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Developing Your Character

1
Give different characters different reactions to your original character. Look at the original work you're drawing from. Do all of the protagonists always agree or act the same way? Of course not. Take the canon characters' personalities into account and craft believable reactions to and relationships with your newcomer.
2
Avoid letting your new character be the sole contributor to solving one of the major unresolved conflicts of the original fiction. Give the glory to an established character or make it a real team effort.
3
Tread carefully around romance. Mary Sues are constantly winning the love of a character the author really likes or fixing up two previously unattached characters the author thinks should be together. Romance is possible in fan-fiction, but give it time to make it more realistic.
4
Take your time. One of the biggest flaws of Mary Sue stories is that things happen far too quickly. It will probably take a while for your new character to become really close to the canon characters, or be in a position to accomplish lots of amazing things. Go slowly. You can always write a sequel.

Community Q&A

Question

Is my character a Mary-Sue if all characters find her annoying due to her personality?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. Her function in the story could be to antagonize your other characters, but that does not mean your readers will find her annoying.
Question

Is it an automatic Sue if I make the character like me?

Community Answer

No, it does not mean your character is a Mary-Sue. It's OK to have some similarities with your characters (such as struggling from shyness, too proud, the same hair color, mole etc.), as long as they are well-written and realistic.
Question

Is it okay to create your character like yourself in the real world but a few things edited? I want my character to represent me in the fandom.

Fairlylocal

Community Answer

Yes, it's fine, just as long as the character is not overly perfect. Make sure the character has some flaws.

Warnings

If it seems your Original Character is a Mary Sue, just admit it. Don't try to convince yourself they aren't, because they probably are. Remember, Mary Sues can be good, if written well. Lots of popular canon characters suffer from strong Sue traits, but they still have a personality.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
If someone insults your original character for being a Mary Sue, avoid taking it personally. Do review your character, and don't simply assume that they are best and that other writers are just 'jealous.'

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0